A recent study published by the American Heart Association highlights potential heart risks associated with long-term melatonin use among adults with insomnia. Melatonin, a widely used sleep aid, has seen a significant increase in use, rising from 0.4% in 1999 to 2.1% in 2018, according to a 2022 national survey.

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The study analyzed five years of medical records from 130,828 individuals diagnosed with insomnia. It found that those who were prescribed melatonin for 12 months or longer had a 90% higher risk of heart failure compared to those who did not use the supplement. Extended use of melatonin was also linked to increased hospitalizations for heart failure and higher overall mortality among patients with chronic insomnia.

Heart failure, which occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively to meet the body’s demands, can lead to serious health complications, including abnormal heart rhythms and liver damage. Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, a lead author of the study, emphasized that while the findings raise safety concerns, they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between melatonin use and heart issues.

The research points to the need for further investigation into the safety of melatonin, especially for individuals with chronic insomnia. Nnadi indicated that those with more severe insomnia or other comorbid conditions like depression and anxiety may be more frequent users of melatonin, which raises questions about the underlying health issues that could contribute to both insomnia and cardiovascular risk.

Dr. Salma Patel, a physician in sleep medicine not involved in the study, noted that many factors can contribute to sleep disturbances, including sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and psychiatric conditions, which may coexist with insomnia. She advised that persistent sleep difficulties should not be treated solely with melatonin but should warrant a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) remains the preferred treatment for chronic insomnia. This approach addresses the thoughts and behaviors surrounding sleep issues, aiming to foster healthier sleep habits rather than relying on supplements. Overall, while melatonin may help some individuals fall asleep, those relying on it regularly should consider exploring underlying health reasons for their insomnia.