A recent study has raised concerns about the long-term use of melatonin, a popular sleep aid. Researchers found an association between chronic melatonin consumption and a higher risk of heart failure, hospitalization for the condition, and even early death. While the study does not prove causation, experts advise caution and recommend discussing supplement use with a healthcare provider.
Key Takeaways
- Long-term use of melatonin supplements may be associated with an increased risk of heart failure.
- Individuals using melatonin for over a year showed a higher likelihood of developing heart failure and being hospitalized for it.
- Experts emphasize that the need for long-term melatonin use could signal underlying cardiac issues.
Study Findings
New research, which analyzed electronic health records of over 130,000 adults, suggests that individuals who regularly took melatonin for at least a year were nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure compared to non-users. The actual rates were relatively low, with 4.6% of melatonin users developing heart failure versus 2.7% of those who did not use the supplement. However, the study also indicated that long-term melatonin users were more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and nearly twice as likely to die during the study period.
It is important to note that the study did not find evidence that melatonin supplements directly cause heart problems. Instead, researchers propose that the need to take melatonin regularly might be an indicator of existing cardiac issues. Insomnia itself can contribute to increased blood pressure, stress hormones, and inflammation, which are risk factors for heart disease.
Expert Advice and Limitations
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