Heart Health: Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Cardiovascular Risk

Recent research indicates that people suffering from insomnia who take melatonin supplements for more than a year may face an elevated risk of heart failure compared to those who do not use the supplement. The findings suggest a potential association between long-term melatonin use and cardiovascular complications.

Study Findings

According to the researchers, individuals using melatonin for over a year were more likely to be diagnosed with heart failure, require hospitalization, or experience death from any cause. These observations were shared ahead of their presentation at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans.

Study Limitations

The study is considered preliminary and has not yet undergone peer review. Researchers clarified that their work does not confirm a direct cause-and-effect link between melatonin use and heart failure risk. Still, the results highlight the need for further research to confirm safety concerns.

Supplement Regulation and Public Health

Scientists emphasized that melatonin supplements are widely available over-the-counter and are not strictly regulated. Many individuals take them without medical advice, which may increase the risk of misuse or prolonged unsupervised consumption.

“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed.”

Conclusion

The preliminary data suggest that extended use of melatonin could carry cardiovascular risks and call for more oversight and investigation into its long-term safety.

Author’s summary: Long-term melatonin use may increase heart failure risks, suggesting a need for more research and public caution around its unregulated over-the-counter availability.

Healthline — 2025-11-05