Risk of heart failure: new study on melatonin
7 november 2025 в 22:37
New research has raised concerns about the long-term use of melatonin supplements, which are widely available for purchase in the United States. Considering that countless Americans have taken this supplement at least once in their lifetime, many are wondering if they are putting themselves at risk of heart failure. So, can taking melatonin really lead to heart failure?
Below, we will discuss a new study on melatonin and risk, according to data published by the American Heart Association during its scientific sessions.
Yes, melatonin is a hormone produced in the human body that helps regulate the sleep cycle.
Melatonin supplements help a person in their sleep-wake cycle. For example, people suffering from insomnia may take melatonin on a short-term basis to improve their sleep.
Taking melatonin at any time of day can cause drowsiness.
Technically, yes, but it depends on how much melatonin you are taking. Researchers reported in November 2025 that long-term users of supplements were more than three times as likely to have heart failure, and twice as likely to die from any cause. Additionally, they found that over 100,000 adults with chronic insomnia who had been taking melatonin for over a year had a 90% higher chance of experiencing heart failure in the next five years.
However, the American Heart Association press release stated that the findings «cannot prove causation», - although they raised concerns about the long-term use of the supplement.
Preliminary research will be presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific sessions this month, as reported in the press release.
Yes, short-term use of melatonin is still safe, but new research raises concerns for those who have been taking melatonin without a prescription for over a year. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, sleep specialist and certified sleep specialist, chair of the American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific statement writing group, stated that she was «surprised that doctors were prescribing melatonin for insomnia and making patients use it for more than 365 days, as melatonin, at least in the US, is not intended for the treatment of insomnia».
«In the US, melatonin can be taken as a supplement without a prescription, and people should understand that it should not be taken chronically without proper prescription», - St-Onge said, citing the AHA press release
Below, we will discuss a new study on melatonin and risk, according to data published by the American Heart Association during its scientific sessions.
Yes, melatonin is a hormone produced in the human body that helps regulate the sleep cycle.
Melatonin supplements help a person in their sleep-wake cycle. For example, people suffering from insomnia may take melatonin on a short-term basis to improve their sleep.
Taking melatonin at any time of day can cause drowsiness.
Technically, yes, but it depends on how much melatonin you are taking. Researchers reported in November 2025 that long-term users of supplements were more than three times as likely to have heart failure, and twice as likely to die from any cause. Additionally, they found that over 100,000 adults with chronic insomnia who had been taking melatonin for over a year had a 90% higher chance of experiencing heart failure in the next five years.
However, the American Heart Association press release stated that the findings «cannot prove causation», - although they raised concerns about the long-term use of the supplement.
Preliminary research will be presented at the American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific sessions this month, as reported in the press release.
Yes, short-term use of melatonin is still safe, but new research raises concerns for those who have been taking melatonin without a prescription for over a year. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, sleep specialist and certified sleep specialist, chair of the American Heart Association’s 2025 scientific statement writing group, stated that she was «surprised that doctors were prescribing melatonin for insomnia and making patients use it for more than 365 days, as melatonin, at least in the US, is not intended for the treatment of insomnia».
«In the US, melatonin can be taken as a supplement without a prescription, and people should understand that it should not be taken chronically without proper prescription», - St-Onge said, citing the AHA press release
© Artemenko Olga
