Melatonin & Heart Health: Risks of Long-Term Use Revealed

Prolonged use of melatonin supplements may be linked to an increased risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and death, according to research presented at a recent American Heart Association conference and reported by Italian health officials.

Matteo Bassetti, director of the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at San Martino Hospital, highlighted the findings of a study involving over 130,000 adults diagnosed with insomnia for more than five years. The research indicated that individuals with chronic insomnia who consistently used melatonin for 12 months or more had nearly double the risk of developing heart failure within a five-year period compared to non-users – 4.6% versus 2.7% respectively.

The study also revealed a significantly higher rate of hospitalization for heart failure among melatonin users, with 19% requiring admission compared to 6.6% in the non-user group. The risk of death from any cause over the five-year study period was almost doubled for those taking melatonin – 7.8% compared to 4.3%.

Bassetti cautioned, however, that the study does not definitively prove that melatonin *causes* heart failure, but rather “raises concerns about safety.” He emphasized that melatonin is intended for short-term use and that establishing good sleep hygiene – maintaining a dark bedroom, regular sleep schedule, and limiting screen time – may be safer and more effective long-term strategies.

The concerns come as melatonin use has become increasingly common for those struggling with sleep disturbances. The hormone, naturally produced by the brain during darkness, is often used to help regulate sleep cycles, but is not considered a traditional sleep aid that forces sleep.

Bassetti also addressed the growing risks associated with electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, particularly among young people. He warned that combining e-cigarette use with traditional cigarettes significantly increases the risk of respiratory, cardiovascular, and oncological diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also noted a concerning rise in e-cigarette use among adolescents, with rates in Italy exceeding those of adults.

“Pay attention especially to the combined use of e-cigarettes and classic cigarettes, undoubtedly the most frequent use among Italian vapers: the risks of respiratory, cardiovascular and tumor diseases increase,” Bassetti stated. Despite regulations prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to those under 18, the practice remains prevalent.