Recent research has raised concerns about the long-term use of melatonin, a popular sleeping aid. An analysis focusing on adults suffering from insomnia, although not yet peer-reviewed, reveals that individuals who have been prescribed melatonin for over a year face significantly heightened health risks.
The study, which examined data from more than 130,000 adults across various countries, found that long-term melatonin users may experience an 89 percent increased risk of heart failure over a five-year period and are twice as likely to succumb to any cause when compared to those who do not take melatonin. This indicates a troubling trend that merits further investigation.
Despite these alarming findings, it’s important to note that they do not alter existing health recommendations or definitively establish a causal link between melatonin and adverse health outcomes. Melatonin, which is the fourth most commonly used natural supplement in the United States, is generally deemed safe for short-term use—typically around one to two months.
Researchers and health professionals stress the need for more thorough studies on the effects of long-term melatonin use, particularly as the supplement grows in popularity. The data was presented during the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions by medical researcher Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi from SUNY Downstate/Kings County Primary Care in New York. Nnadi warned, “Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” underscoring the need for doctors to reevaluate how they advise patients regarding sleep aids.
Melatonin is a synthetic version of a hormone that the brain naturally produces, aiding the body’s internal clock and helping some individuals to achieve better sleep. In the U.S. and many other countries, melatonin is available over the counter, allowing users to take it without medical oversight on dosage or duration.
The research extended to electronic health records from both the United States and the United Kingdom, where prescriptions are required for melatonin. A secondary analysis revealed that individuals using melatonin for over a year faced nearly 3.5 times the risk of hospitalization for heart failure compared to non-users. Additionally, the mortality risk increased from 4.3 percent to 7.8 percent between the two groups.
While the study presents compelling data, experts like Carlos Egea, President of the Spanish Federation of Sleep Medicine Societies, caution against jumping to conclusions, pointing out methodological limitations. Participants’ melatonin usage was gleaned from prescription records rather than direct surveys, potentially skewing results if some individuals took the supplement without a prescription.
Moreover, concerns regarding melatonin’s safety profile are compounded by new reports of non-fatal overdoses in children in Australia, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive understanding of the supplement’s impacts across different age groups.
Given the outlined risks and the need for further research, it becomes clear that while melatonin may assist with short-term sleep challenges, the long-term implications warrant deeper scrutiny to ensure its safety for widespread use. This evolving conversation around melatonin use emphasizes a growing commitment to patient safety and evidence-based health guidelines.