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long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Increased Heart Failure Risk, Study Finds
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A new study presented at the American heart Association’s Scientific Sessions suggests a potential link between prolonged melatonin use and a significantly higher risk of heart failure, prompting health experts to urge caution regarding the popular sleep aid. While the precise mechanism remains unclear, the findings underscore the importance of discussing supplement use with a healthcare provider.
The increasing popularity of melatonin supplements in the United States has been dramatic. Research indicates that usage quintupled between 1999 and 2018, with approximately two out of every 100 people now reporting they take melatonin to aid sleep.This surge in use coincides with growing awareness of sleep disorders and a desire for readily available solutions.
Melatonin is naturally produced by the brain in response to darkness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Learn more about melatonin from NCCIH. It plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian rhythm – the body’s internal clock – and facilitating sleep. However, the readily available supplement form is designed to artificially induce these effects.
The recent research, which has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, analyzed data from nearly 131,000 adults, averaging 55.7 years of age, who had been diagnosed with insomnia. Of this group,65,414 individuals had been prescribed melatonin supplements for at least one year.
Increased Risk with Prolonged Use
Researchers discovered a concerning correlation: individuals who consistently took melatonin for 12 months or more exhibited approximately a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure over a five-year period compared to those who did not use the supplement. It’s critically important to note that while the risk was elevated, the overall incidence of heart failure remained relatively low – 4.6% in the melatonin group versus 2.7% in the non-melatonin group.
Further analysis revealed an 82% increased risk of heart failure among those who had at least two melatonin prescriptions filled, with at least 90 days between refills. This difference in access to the supplement – melatonin is prescription-only in the U.K. but widely available over-the-counter in the U.S. – highlights potential disparities in usage patterns and health outcomes.
Serious Health Implications Observed
The study also indicated more immediate and severe health consequences associated with melatonin use.Individuals taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure compared to those who did not take the supplement. Alarmingly, the melatonin group also experienced nearly double the risk of death from any cause during the five-year study period.
“These findings don’t mean that everyone who takes melatonin will develop heart failure,” a senior official stated. “However, they do serve as a crucial reminder to evaluate your own melatonin use and discuss any concerns with your doctor.”
The underlying reasons for this association remain unclear, and further research is needed to establish a definitive causal link. Experts emphasize that this study highlights a correlation, not necessarily causation, and that other factors may contribute to the observed risks.
Despite the need for further investigation, the findings warrant a cautious approach to melatonin supplementation, notably for long-term use. Individuals currently taking melatonin are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers to assess their individual risk factors and determine the most appropriate course of action.
