Long‑Term Melatonin Use Linked to Potential Heart Risks, Study Finds
Sleep deprivation remains a widespread public‑health concern in the United States, with recent data indicating that more than 30% of residents in Pennsylvania obtain fewer than seven hours of sleep each night. To address chronic insomnia, many adults turn to over‑the‑counter melatonin supplements, a hormone that regulates the sleep‑wake cycle. While melatonin is generally considered safe for short‑term use, a new study raises questions about its effects when taken over extended periods.
The investigation, published in a peer‑reviewed medical journal, analyzed health records of roughly 10,000 adults who reported regular melatonin consumption for at least one year. Researchers compared cardiovascular outcomes in this group with a matched cohort of non‑users, controlling for age, sex, pre‑existing conditions, and lifestyle factors. The results showed a modest but statistically significant increase in the incidence of hypertension and arrhythmias among long‑term melatonin users, translating to an estimated 12% higher risk of developing heart‑related events.
Scientists suggest that melatonin’s influence on the autonomic nervous system may underlie the observed cardiovascular changes. By affecting blood‑pressure regulation and heart‑rate variability, prolonged exposure could predispose susceptible individuals to elevated cardiac stress. However, the authors caution that the study design cannot prove causation, and they call for randomized controlled trials to clarify the relationship.
Health officials and medical experts responded with measured concern. Public‑health agencies emphasized that melatonin remains an accessible option for short‑term sleep disturbances but recommended that consumers consult healthcare providers before using it nightly for months or years. Industry analysts noted that the findings could prompt manufacturers to update labeling, while clinicians urged patients to consider non‑pharmacologic sleep hygiene practices as first‑line interventions.
Until further research confirms the link, the consensus advises cautious use of melatonin, particularly for individuals with existing cardiovascular risk factors. Users are encouraged to discuss dosage and duration with their doctors, monitor blood‑pressure readings regularly, and explore alternative strategies—such as cognitive‑behavioral therapy for insomnia—to maintain both sleep quality and heart health.
