Fri Nov 07 15:40:00 UTC 2025: Headline: Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk in Preliminary Study
Washington, D.C. – A new study presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions has raised concerns about the long-term use of melatonin, a popular over-the-counter sleep aid. Researchers found a potential link between prolonged melatonin use and an increased risk of heart failure and mortality.
The study, which analyzed the health records of over 130,000 adults across multiple countries, found that individuals prescribed melatonin for more than a year had an 89% higher risk of heart failure and were twice as likely to die from any cause over a five-year period, compared to those not prescribed the supplement. A secondary analysis showed that those who took melatonin for over a year were almost 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure, and the risk of death from any cause almost doubled.
While the findings are preliminary and have not yet been peer-reviewed, they highlight the need for further research into the long-term effects of melatonin. Experts caution that the study doesn’t definitively prove that melatonin causes these health issues, but rather suggests a potential association that warrants further investigation.
“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” said medical researcher Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi from SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in New York, the lead author of the study. “If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.”
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain and is commonly used as a sleep aid, often considered safe for short-term use (1-2 months). However, limited research exists on its long-term effects, especially as its popularity as an over-the-counter supplement continues to rise.
One limitation of the study is that it relied on prescription records and did not survey participants on their melatonin use. This means that the control group may have included individuals who used melatonin without a prescription, potentially skewing the results.
Carlos Egea, President of the Spanish Federation of Sleep Medicine Societies, emphasized the need for a prospective trial with a control group to clarify the safety profile of melatonin. He also takes the associations seriously.
The research also brings up the fact that recent events have highlighted the potential downsides of melatonin use, even in the short term, such as a series of non-fatal overdoses among children in Australia. Experts urge caution and call for more comprehensive research to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of melatonin, particularly with long-term use. Consumers are advised to consult with their healthcare provider before starting or continuing any melatonin regimen.
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