Don't Panic Over Melatonin and Heart Health Headlines, Say Experts
Recent headlines suggesting a link between the popular sleep supplement melatonin and heart failure have caused a stir, but leading cardiologists are urging the public not to lose sleep over the preliminary findings. The concerns stem from a new observational study presented at an American Heart Association meeting, which has not yet undergone the rigorous process of peer review.
What the Melatonin Study Actually Found
The research, conducted by a team from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, analysed international electronic health records. It tracked adults diagnosed with insomnia, some of whom had a melatonin prescription indicating they had used the supplement for at least a year.
Over a five-year period, the researchers found that 4.6% of the chronic melatonin users developed heart failure. This compared to 2.7% of insomnia patients whose medical charts showed no record of melatonin use. While this statistical difference raised questions, doctors were quick to highlight the study's significant limitations.
Dr. Pratik Sandesara, an interventional cardiologist at Emory Healthcare who was not involved with the research, cautioned against an overreaction. "We should not raise the alarm and tell patients to stop taking all their melatonin," he stated.
Key Limitations and the Call for More Research
Experts pointed out several critical factors that prevent this study from proving melatonin is dangerous. A major issue is that the research was observational, meaning it can identify a potential link but cannot prove that melatonin use caused the higher incidence of heart failure. It is equally possible that the underlying insomnia, a known risk factor for heart disease, is the true culprit.
Furthermore, the study's methodology has gaps. Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement in the U.S., not a prescription drug, meaning any American participants using it without a doctor's note would not have been counted. Dr. Clyde Yancey, cardiology chief at Northwestern University, noted this and the fact that the study did not track dosage amounts as significant shortcomings.
The researchers themselves characterised their findings as a call for more investigation rather than a definitive conclusion on melatonin's safety.
Practical Advice for Sleep and Supplement Use
So, what should patients do? Doctors Sandesara and Yancey agree that anyone with concerns about their melatonin use should have a conversation with their GP. The general medical consensus recommends melatonin for short-term situations, such as managing jet lag, rather than indefinite, long-term use.
They also emphasise that improving sleep hygiene is a foundational step for better health. "When we expose ourselves to blue light in particular at night, we are diminishing our melatonin levels. That’s science," Dr. Yancey explained. He added that unresolved sleep problems aren't just about feeling tired—they actively put your health at risk.
For now, the message from heart experts is clear: view the alarming headlines with scepticism and prioritise a discussion with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
