A recent study reviewing health records of tens of thousands of adults with chronic insomnia has found a possible link between long-term use of prescribed melatonin and an increased risk of heart failure. Released by the American Heart Association, the research indicates that those who used melatonin for over a year faced a heightened likelihood of being hospitalized for heart failure or dying from various causes compared to non-users.
Despite being preliminary and not yet peer-reviewed, the findings have sparked diverse reactions among sleep medicine experts and cardiologists. They caution the public against hasty conclusions while emphasizing the need for further investigation into long-term melatonin use. This study’s results appear to contrast earlier research that suggested melatonin could have health benefits for heart failure sufferers. The study is set to be presented at the American Heart Association’s upcoming Scientific Sessions, an esteemed conference focused on cardiovascular science and medicine.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain’s pineal gland in response to darkness, indicating that it is time to sleep. While it is often perceived as a safe, natural sleep aid, some clinicians express reservations about its effectiveness and safety over extended periods. Sleep specialists usually recommend low doses of melatonin for temporary sleep issues such as jet lag or shift work. In the United States, melatonin can be purchased without a prescription, although prescription formulations are generally more tightly regulated for consistency and purity.
Getting adequate sleep is vital for cardiovascular health, as research links poor sleep with elevated heart rates and blood pressure, which can lead to increased cardiovascular incidents. Melatonin also serves as an antioxidant, which can help protect against coronary artery disease, a known precursor to heart failure. Given the complexity of these relationships, sleep expert Joyce Oen-Hsiao urges caution, noting that although the new study raises critical questions, it primarily highlights correlations rather than direct causal links.
The study investigated more than 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia over a five-year period, specifically evaluating 65,000 individuals who were prescribed melatonin for at least a year. Approximately 3,000 of these users experienced heart failure compared to nearly 1,800 non-users. Nevertheless, researchers acknowledged limitations in their study, such as a lack of insight into whether those categorized as non-users were taking over-the-counter melatonin.
Experts like David Neubauer, a sleep specialist at Johns Hopkins University, expressed concern over the findings, pointing out the uncertainty surrounding the control group’s melatonin use. Current health records did not track dosage or account for potential beneficial effects of melatonin on sleep quality, which complicates interpretations of the data.
Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, the report’s lead author, emphasized the study’s significance as a signal for further inquiry, stressing that it does not establish that melatonin directly causes heart failure. In light of these findings, there is a consensus among health professionals that more rigorous, randomized trials are needed to clarify the implications of long-term melatonin use.
While the existing research prompts questions about the long-term safety of melatonin supplementation, experts agree that drastic changes should not yet be implemented. Caution is advised, especially for those with cardiovascular concerns. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is still the recommended treatment for chronic insomnia. Melatonin, when used, should be taken in low doses under medical advice and at appropriate times, highlighting the importance of discussing its use with a physician for those with heart conditions or risk factors.
In conclusion, while the study raises important considerations regarding melatonin usage and heart health, experts remain hopeful for further research that can illuminate best practices for insomnia treatment in a way that’s safe and effective for patients’ overall health.