Regular use of melatonin for insomnia may not be as harmless as previously thought. Scientists have found a link between long-term use of the drug and an increased risk of heart failure and death. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing the American Heart Association (AHA).
Researchers analyzed data from more than 130,000 adults with insomnia. About half of them had been taking melatonin for at least a year.
Over five years, heart failure was diagnosed in 4.6% of melatonin users compared to 2.7% in the control group. Additionally, these patients were about 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart problems.
Mortality data also alarmed scientists: over five years, 7.8% of participants taking melatonin died, compared to 4.3% among the rest.
However, the researchers emphasize that the results show only an association and do not prove that melatonin itself caused heart failure or death. The study has also not yet undergone full scientific peer review.
The authors urged more caution regarding long-term use of popular sleep aids and called for further study of their potential effects on the heart.
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