Chronic Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk
Researchers have found that using melatonin for a year or longer may increase the risk of heart failure. Though melatonin is commonly used as a sleep aid, its long-term side effects remain unclear as its popularity grows.
A new preliminary study suggests that taking melatonin for more than a year could be associated with heart problems and a higher chance of premature death. The study analyzed medical records of people with chronic insomnia and discovered those prescribed melatonin for at least one year had a greater likelihood of developing heart failure and dying from any cause.
Study Insights and Limitations
The authors emphasize important limitations in the study but consider the findings a prompt for further research into melatonin’s potential cardiovascular risks.
“These findings challenge the perception of melatonin as a benign chronic therapy and underscore the need for randomized trials to clarify its cardiovascular safety profile,” the researchers stated.
Melatonin and Its Uses
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, primarily regulating the sleep-wake cycle. In some countries like the U.K., synthetic melatonin is approved for treating insomnia in people over 55. In the U.S., melatonin is widely accessible over-the-counter as a supplement.
Short-term melatonin use—such as for a few nights to manage jet lag—is generally considered safe for adults, though its safety for children is less certain.
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