Long-Term Melatonin Use Linked to Greater Heart Failure Risk, Study Finds

Melatonin’s harmless reputation deserves a second look, one doctor said.

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Melatonin, a natural hormone, is often labeled a heart-healthy sleep aid. However, an extensive new study suggests that regular users face a higher risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and even death over time.

Adults with chronic insomnia who used melatonin for a year or longer faced a 90 percent higher risk of developing heart failure within five years compared with nonusers.