Study Raises Concerns Over Melatonin Use and Heart Health
Study Raises Concerns Over Melatonin Use and Heart Health
Recent headlines about melatonin supplements and heart health have raised some eyebrows, but experts are urging people not to panic just yet. A preliminary study has sparked questions about the long-term safety of using melatonin for insomnia, but the findings are far from conclusive, according to heart specialists.
The study, which was presented at an American Heart Association meeting, analyzed data from international electronic health records and tracked the health of adults with insomnia who were prescribed melatonin for at least a year. The researchers found that 4.6% of chronic melatonin users developed heart failure over five years, compared to just 2.7% of those who did not use the supplement. While this sounds alarming, experts warn that these results don’t prove that melatonin caused the heart problems.
“We should not raise the alarm and tell patients to stop taking all their melatonin,” said Dr. Pratik Sandesara, an interventional cardiologist at Emory Healthcare, who was not involved in the study.
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Findings | A study shows 4.6% of chronic melatonin users developed heart failure vs. 2.7% of non-users over 5 years. |
| Study Type | Observational – it doesn’t prove that melatonin causes heart failure, only that a link exists. |
| Limitations | Study doesn’t account for over-the-counter melatonin use in the U.S. or dosages taken by users. |
| Expert Opinion | Doctors say no need to panic; melatonin is generally safe for short-term use. |
| What to Do | Talk to your doctor if concerned. Focus on sleep hygiene (reduce blue light, create a dark sleep space). |
| Long-Term Use | No evidence suggests melatonin is safe for indefinite use. Experts recommend it for short-term issues only. |
Key Takeaways:
- Melatonin may not cause heart issues directly, but more research is needed.
- Heart failure risk in the study is linked to insomnia, not melatonin use alone.
- Focus on good sleep habits for long-term health instead of relying on supplements.
