Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to 89% Higher Heart Failure Risk

Study Reveals Dangers of Extended Melatonin Consumption

According to НВ — Техно: A multinational team of researchers presented findings at the American Heart Association conference, uncovering a significant correlation between prolonged melatonin intake and an elevated risk of heart failure. The study examined electronic health records from over 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia. Results indicate that using melatonin for more than one year is associated with a marked increase in the likelihood of developing heart failure.

Key Findings from the Research

Specifically, the study found that extended melatonin use raises the risk of heart failure by 89% over the following five years. Additionally, the probability of hospitalization due to heart failure increased nearly 3.5 times. The all-cause mortality rate among patients who took melatonin long-term also rose from 4.3% to 7.8%.

Melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep cycles, is available over the counter in many countries. It is generally considered safe only for short-term use-typically no longer than one to two months. However, these new findings challenge the safety of prolonged use of this supplement.

The results of this study could significantly influence guidelines on using melatonin as a sleep aid.

Given the potential risks associated with long-term melatonin use, patients should consult their healthcare provider about insomnia treatment options to avoid possible complications. The research also underscores the need for further scientific investigation to better understand melatonin's impact on the cardiovascular system.

In light of the potential dangers linked to long-term melatonin use, it is crucial for patients to explore alternative treatment options for sleep disorders. For instance, recent studies have highlighted how the sleeping pill Suvorexant may reduce proteins associated with dementia, suggesting that there are safer alternatives worth considering for managing insomnia.