What's Happening?
A study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025 found that adults with chronic insomnia who used melatonin for a year or longer were more likely to develop heart failure,
be hospitalized for heart failure, and die from any cause than those who did not take the supplement. The research utilized data from the TriNetX Global Research Network, analyzing over 130,000 adults with insomnia. The study raises safety concerns about the long-term use of melatonin, a popular sleep aid.
Why It's Important?
The findings challenge the perception of melatonin as a safe and natural sleep remedy, highlighting potential cardiovascular risks associated with its long-term use. This could impact public health policies and influence how healthcare providers counsel patients regarding sleep aids. The study underscores the need for further research to understand melatonin's impact on heart health and ensure its safe use, potentially affecting millions of U.S. adults who use melatonin supplements.
What's Next?
Further studies are needed to confirm the association between long-term melatonin use and heart failure risk. Researchers emphasize the importance of investigating melatonin's safety for the heart, which could lead to changes in how melatonin is prescribed and used. The findings may prompt healthcare providers to reconsider recommending melatonin for chronic insomnia, especially for long-term use.
Beyond the Headlines
The study highlights the lack of regulation for melatonin supplements in the U.S., where products can vary widely in purity and dosage. This raises ethical concerns about consumer safety and the need for stricter regulations to ensure the quality and safety of over-the-counter supplements. The research also points to the need for more comprehensive studies to explore the long-term effects of melatonin on various health outcomes.
