Should You Worry About Melatonin and Heart Failure?
A study presented at the American Heart Association’s scientific meetings has raised concerns about the long-term use of melatonin, a commonly prescribed sleep aid in the UK. The findings suggest that those who use melatonin for extended periods may face a higher risk of heart failure, though the evidence requires careful interpretation.
Background on Melatonin Usage
Melatonin has been prescribed in the UK for nearly 20 years, with 2.5 million prescriptions issued in England just last year. It is a synthetic form of the natural hormone produced in the brain, known as the “hormone of darkness,” which helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Traditionally, melatonin has been considered safe for short-term use in adults and, under specialist supervision, for children with learning disabilities or ADHD.
Study Overview
The analysis examined electronic health records of about 130,000 adults experiencing sleep difficulties over five years. Half of the participants took melatonin, while the other half did not.
- Long-term melatonin users (one year or more) were approximately three times more likely to be hospitalized with heart failure compared to non-users.
- 19% of melatonin users were hospitalized with heart failure, versus 6.6% of non-users.
- Users also had increased rates of heart failure diagnosis and higher all-cause mortality.
Melatonin is a synthetic version of the hormone naturally produced in the brain — the so-called “hormone of darkness” that regulates our sleep–wake cycle.
People who took melatonin for at least a year were roughly three times more likely to be hospitalised with heart failure than non-users.
Interpretation and Caution
Despite these concerning associations, the data is preliminary and requires further investigation before drawing firm conclusions about melatonin's safety in long-term use. The apparent link does not necessarily imply causation.
Author's Summary
The current evidence suggests a potential link between long-term melatonin use and heart failure, but further detailed studies are necessary to clarify this relationship and assess safety.
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