California Cardiologist Highlights Risks of Long-Term Melatonin Use

Post by : Saif Nasser

A prominent cardiologist from California has raised concerns regarding the potential risks associated with extended melatonin usage. Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, with two decades of expertise in heart care, cautioned that nightly melatonin intake for over a year could elevate the heart failure risk by as much as 90% within five years.

Melatonin is a hormone produced in the brain that regulates the sleep-wake cycle, signaling to the body when it’s time to rest. Many individuals turn to melatonin supplements for sleep difficulties. However, according to Dr. Bhojraj, most people would benefit more from addressing their sleep habits than from relying on supplements.

In an Instagram clip shared on November 14, Dr. Bhojraj referenced an American Heart Association study involving over 130,000 adults, revealing that those who took melatonin for longer than a year faced a significantly increased risk of heart failure.

He emphasized that although melatonin is natural, that doesn’t guarantee its safety. Other natural hormones, such as cortisol, estrogen, and insulin, can also have adverse effects when imbalanced, and melatonin functions similarly. Excessive long-term use may disrupt the body’s circadian clock.

Dr. Bhojraj warned that nightly melatonin consumption can interfere with circadian rhythms, which govern sleep and various bodily functions, alter hormone signals, and diminish the body’s capacity to produce its own melatonin. He noted that most individuals do not have a deficiency in melatonin; rather, they suffer from erratic sleeping habits influenced by late-night screen time and inconsistent sleep schedules.

He urged individuals to adopt straightforward sleep strategies like maintaining a regular bedtime, dimming nighttime lights, and reducing late-night phone use. These minor adjustments can enhance sleep quality naturally while safeguarding heart health.

Dr. Bhojraj’s message is unequivocal: while melatonin might appear benign, its long-term use can have detrimental impacts on heart health and disrupt the natural equilibrium of the body.