Melatonin is a hormone our body makes in response to darkness. It helps us wind down and be ready to sleep. Since the mid-1990s, melatonin supplements have been a go-to for many struggling with insomnia. It’s estimated that nearly 65% of the population has used it at some point. But a recent study from the American Heart Association linking it to a higher risk of heart failure has many questioning its safety.
Understanding the study
According to wellness coach and SSM Health family medicine practitioner, Roopa Shah, MD, this study centered on the medical records of thousands of adults with chronic insomnia who took a melatonin supplement for a year or longer.
“That group of patients had a 90% higher risk for heart failure over the next five years. This is compared to other participants with the same health factors but who did not take melatonin,” she said. “In addition, they were more than three times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure and about twice as likely to die from any cause.”
While those findings sound alarming, many experts believe the research isn’t definitive. Dr. Shah explained, “First, the research was pretty limited. The study was not designed to prove cause and effect. It only shows a link between the long-term use and heart issues. And previous studies have shown melatonin supplement use can have positive effects for heart health.”
Key considerations
Beyond the study results, there are additional risks and benefits to consider regarding melatonin use. It’s important to remember that melatonin is considered a dietary supplement in the United States. “Supplement makers aren’t scrutinized to the same level as medication makers. So, supplements sometimes have a higher amount of active ingredients than are necessary. And they may also include hidden additives,” she said.
Even so, Dr. Shah recognizes that getting enough quality sleep is important for our overall health. “Melatonin supplements are often used on both a short- and long-term basis for many people suffering from sleep issues like insomnia,” she added.
Before taking melatonin
Dr. Shah points out that sleep issues can have many causes. She recommends that you talk to your doctor before turning to melatonin supplements. “If it’s a chronic problem, get a proper diagnosis. There may be other treatments that will be more effective in improving your sleep than a supplement,” she said.
“Also, look at your sleep hygiene. Remember to limit light exposure, screen time, and eating food or drinking alcohol in the last few hours before bed,” she added. Keeping your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet is also recommended for better sleep.
And in the end, if you still choose a melatonin supplement, Dr. Shah recommends looking for pharmaceutical grade melatonin. “You’ll want to look for a stamp showing that the independent nonprofit US Pharmacopoeia’s Dietary Supplement Verification Program has tested the product.”
If you’re suffering from chronic insomnia or other sleep-related disorder, the specialists at SSM Health Sleep Services can help with expert diagnosis and treatment.
Long-term use of melatonin supplements to support sleep may have negative health effects. (n.d.). American Heart Association. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/long-term-use-of-melatonin-supplements-to-support-sleep-may-have-negative-health-effects
