Study Links Long-Term Melatonin Use With Increased Heart Failure Risk, Experts Urge Caution

Post by : Saif Nasser

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain that helps regulate the sleep–wake cycle. Many people take melatonin supplements to improve sleep, and it is commonly perceived as safe and widely available in forms such as gummies.

A recent study associated with the American Heart Association tracked more than 130,000 adults and reported that frequent, long-term melatonin users had roughly a 90% higher incidence of heart failure compared to non-users, and showed elevated signals for earlier mortality.

The findings sparked concern among habitual users. NHS surgeon Dr. Karan Rajan emphasised that the study demonstrates an association, not definitive causation. He noted that people with emerging heart disease often experience sleep disturbances and may begin taking melatonin in response.

Dr. Rajan observed that chronic insomnia and stress-related sleep problems are themselves linked to greater cardiovascular risk. Because those groups are more likely to use supplemental melatonin, the observed relationship could reflect pre-existing health issues rather than a direct toxic effect of the supplement.

He also warned about dosing: the human body typically produces about 0.3 milligrams of melatonin, while many over-the-counter products contain 3, 5 or even 10 milligrams—levels that can be dozens to hundreds of times higher than physiological production.

Rajan advised against routine, long-term nightly use of melatonin. He recommended taking the smallest effective dose for short periods and urged anyone with persistent sleep difficulties to consult a physician rather than relying solely on supplements.

Health specialists also encourage basic sleep hygiene measures: keep a regular bedtime, limit phone and screen use before sleep, avoid late-day caffeine, and make the bedroom quiet and conducive to rest.

The new findings do not mean melatonin is dangerous for everyone, but they highlight the importance of mindful use. If a person needs melatonin nightly to sleep, clinicians say this could indicate an underlying condition that warrants medical evaluation.

This report relies on public medical commentary and discussions on social media; the associations identified by the study remain under investigation and further research is needed to clarify causality.