Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to 90% Higher Heart Failure Risk in New Study
核心洞察
A new study found that adults with insomnia using melatonin for at least one year had a 90% higher chance of being diagnosed with heart failure compared to non-users.
Participants taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for heart failure, raising significant safety concerns about long-term use.
The findings challenge the widespread perception of melatonin as a safe and natural sleep aid, with researchers noting consistent increases in serious health outcomes.
A new study has revealed concerning cardiovascular risks associated with long-term melatonin use, finding that adults with insomnia who used the supplement for at least a year had a 90% higher chance of being diagnosed with heart failure compared to those who did not use melatonin.
The research, conducted by the American Heart Association, also determined that participants taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure, representing a substantial increase in serious cardiovascular events.
Challenging Safety Perceptions
The findings directly challenge the widespread belief that melatonin represents a safe therapeutic option for sleep disorders. "Melatonin supplements are widely thought of as a safe and 'natural' option to support better sleep, so it was striking to see such consistent and significant increases in serious health outcomes, even after balancing for many other risk factors," said Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, lead author of the study.
The research methodology accounted for multiple confounding variables, suggesting that the observed cardiovascular risks may be directly attributable to melatonin use rather than other underlying factors.
Clinical Practice Implications
The study's findings have prompted questions about current prescribing practices. Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge expressed surprise at the clinical use of melatonin for insomnia treatment, noting that the supplement is "not indicated for the treatment of insomnia."
This observation highlights a potential disconnect between regulatory indications and real-world clinical practice, where melatonin is commonly recommended or prescribed for sleep disorders despite lacking formal approval for insomnia treatment.
Study Limitations and Future Research
The research has not yet undergone peer review, representing a significant limitation in the current evidence base. The study is scheduled to be presented at an upcoming American Heart Association meeting in New Orleans, where the scientific community will have the opportunity to evaluate the methodology and findings in greater detail.
The preliminary nature of these results underscores the need for additional research to confirm the cardiovascular risks associated with long-term melatonin use and to establish clearer safety guidelines for patients and healthcare providers.