New Research Reveals Link Between Daily Melatonin Use and Heart Failure

Millions of Americans reach for melatonin to help them sleep better at night. But new research suggests that needing this popular supplement long-term might be telling you something important about your heart. While melatonin itself isn’t the culprit, chronic insomnia requiring regular use could signal underlying cardiovascular problems. Understanding this connection could help you protect your heart health before serious issues develop.

The Study That Caught Researchers’ Attention

Researchers examined five years of health records from over 130,000 adults with an average age of 56. They discovered a troubling pattern among people who took melatonin regularly for at least a year. These chronic users showed significantly higher rates of heart failure, hospitalizations, and early death compared to those who didn’t use the supplement. The findings, presented at an American Heart Association meeting, raise important questions about what chronic sleep troubles might reveal.

The Numbers Behind the Connection

The statistics were striking. Among regular melatonin users, 4.6% developed heart failure compared to just 2.7% of non-users. Hospitalizations told an even more dramatic story, with 19% of melatonin users requiring hospital care versus only 6.6% of others. Most concerning, chronic users were nearly twice as likely to die during the study period. While these percentages seem small, they represent thousands of people potentially facing serious health consequences.

It’s Not the Melatonin Itself

Before you panic and toss your melatonin bottle, here’s the crucial point: researchers found no evidence that melatonin supplements directly cause heart problems. Instead, the need to take them regularly serves as a warning sign. Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, the study’s lead author, explains that chronic insomnia itself is the real concern. When you consistently can’t sleep, your body experiences increased blood pressure, elevated stress hormones, and dangerous inflammation—all factors that strain your heart.

Understanding the Insomnia-Heart Connection

Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested; it’s essential for cardiovascular health. Chronic insomnia triggers a cascade of harmful effects throughout your body. Your blood pressure rises, stress hormones flood your system, and inflammation increases. Over time, these changes force your heart to work harder, potentially leading to heart failure. This condition occurs when your heart can’t pump enough oxygen-rich blood to keep your organs functioning properly—a problem affecting nearly 7 million Americans.

What Melatonin Actually Does

Melatonin is a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate sleep and wake cycles. Synthetic versions sold over-the-counter are marketed to help people fall asleep faster or overcome jet lag. The supplement has become increasingly popular, with up to 27% of American adults and 4% of children now taking it regularly according to a 2022 Sleep Foundation survey. While it can be helpful short-term, chronic use may indicate deeper problems worth investigating.

Important Limitations to Consider

This study has some significant caveats worth noting. Researchers only tracked people prescribed melatonin through medical records, missing the millions who buy it over-the-counter. Dr. Nishant Shah, a preventive cardiologist not involved in the research, cautions against drawing firm conclusions from this single study. The findings haven’t been published in a peer-reviewed journal yet. However, Shah believes these observations warrant further investigation to determine if sleep aids pose direct risks.

The Supplement Regulation Gap

Here’s something many people don’t realize: dietary supplements like melatonin aren’t regulated by the FDA. This means doses and purity can vary dramatically between brands. As Dr. Martha Gulati notes, patients use various supplements without understanding potential risks. Without proper oversight, the cost of taking supplements could be far more than simply expensive pills. If supplements cause harm, the health consequences could be serious and long-lasting for unsuspecting users.

When to Talk With Your Doctor

If you’ve been taking melatonin for more than a year, it’s time for a conversation with your healthcare provider. Experts emphasize that melatonin shouldn’t be taken chronically without proper medical guidance. Your persistent sleep troubles might warrant deeper investigation into potential heart issues. Your doctor can help determine whether underlying cardiovascular problems are affecting your sleep and recommend appropriate treatments. Early detection and intervention could prevent serious complications down the road.

Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You

The message here isn’t to fear melatonin but to recognize what chronic sleep problems might signal. Persistent insomnia deserves medical attention, not just over-the-counter solutions. By addressing sleep troubles early and investigating potential heart connections, you can take proactive steps toward better health. Remember that quality sleep is fundamental to your overall wellness. If you’re relying on melatonin long-term, your body might be sending an important message about your heart—one that’s worth listening to.