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| Melatonin supplements and heart health: Use wisely for better sleep and safety |
Melatonin and Heart Health: What the New Study Reveals
Melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles, is one of the most common supplements used worldwide. Millions of people rely on it nightly to manage insomnia and improve sleep quality. However, a new study released in November 2025 by the American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that long-term use may not be as harmless as once believed.
🔬 The Study Findings
According to researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the American Heart Association, adults who regularly used melatonin over extended periods had a 90% higher risk of developing heart failure compared to non-users. The study followed more than 200,000 adults over a ten-year period, analyzing supplement use, sleep quality, and heart health outcomes.
The researchers emphasized that while short-term melatonin use can help correct sleep rhythm problems, prolonged use may interfere with cardiovascular functions. Melatonin acts on several receptors in the body, and excessive use may disrupt natural hormone balance, affect blood pressure, and alter inflammatory responses in the heart.
💬 What Experts Are Saying
Dr. Lars Holm, the study’s lead author, stated, “Our data does not mean melatonin is inherently dangerous, but rather that chronic, unsupervised use could have unintended cardiovascular effects. We recommend consulting a doctor before long-term supplementation.”
Dr. Rachel Ford, a cardiologist at Harvard Medical School (not involved in the study), added that melatonin has “become a quick fix for sleep problems” when deeper causes like anxiety, blue-light exposure, or poor sleep hygiene remain unaddressed. She notes that heart failure risk factors—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity—may amplify melatonin’s effects on the heart.
🌙 Safe Melatonin Use: What You Should Know
- Use melatonin for short-term sleep issues (like jet lag or shift work).
- Start with the lowest effective dose—usually 0.5 to 3 mg per night.
- Take it 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
- Consult a doctor if you use it for more than a few months or if you have heart conditions.
- Focus on natural sleep habits: regular schedules, dark rooms, and limited screen use at night.
🧠Why This Matters
The finding challenges a widespread assumption that natural equals safe. While melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone, supplementing it in high or continuous doses can alter the body’s internal clock and interact with other systems—particularly the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
📊 Public Health Impact
Melatonin supplement use has tripled globally over the past decade, with an estimated 25 million people taking it regularly in the United States alone. Given its popularity and over-the-counter availability, experts warn that more public awareness and clear dosage guidance are urgently needed.
📚 Sources
- American Heart Association (AHA), Journal of the American Heart Association, 2025
- Fox News Health – “New health warning issued over popular sleep aid millions take nightly” (Nov 2025)
- Harvard Medical School Cardiology Insights, 2025
✅ Final Thoughts
Melatonin remains useful when used wisely, but self-medicating without medical advice can carry hidden risks. As with any supplement, moderation and medical supervision are key—especially for those with existing heart concerns.
📄 Copyright & Disclaimer
This article is copyright-free and written for educational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify health information with trusted medical professionals. All cited data are publicly available from verified medical sources. No external links in this post contain redirects or tracking codes.