New Concerns About Long-Term Melatonin Use
Recent research on a common sleeping aid has raised alarms among some scientists regarding prolonged usage. An analysis involving over 130,000 adults with insomnia from several countries, not yet peer-reviewed, found that those prescribed melatonin for more than a year faced increased heart risks.
Key Findings
- Individuals using melatonin long-term had an 89% higher risk of heart failure over five years.
- They were twice as likely to die from any cause compared to those not prescribed melatonin.
Context and Recommendations
These findings are preliminary and do not alter current health guidelines. They do not confirm that melatonin—which is the fourth most popular natural supplement taken by adults in the US—directly causes harmful effects. Instead, the results highlight the need for further investigation into the safety of extended melatonin use.
Safety and Usage
Melatonin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated for short-term use, typically defined as 1 to 2 months, especially for individuals who are neither pregnant nor breastfeeding. Research on its effects beyond this period remains limited, a gap that experts stress should be addressed as the supplement's popularity increases.
"The new research was presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions."
Author’s summary: Emerging evidence suggests long-term melatonin use may increase heart failure risk, underscoring the need for more safety studies.
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