Study Warns: Over-the-Counter Melatonin May Increase Heart Failure Risk by 90%
A new study from the American Heart Association links long-term use of melatonin supplements without medical supervision to a higher risk of heart failure and death.
A large observational study by the American Heart Association has raised serious concerns about the unsupervised use of melatonin supplements for sleep, finding a strong association between long-term use and an increased risk of heart failure, hospitalization, and death.
The research analyzed five years of health data from 130,828 adults suffering from insomnia. Those who took melatonin regularly for at least a year had a 90% higher risk of heart failure compared to non-users, as well as a 3.5 times higher chance of hospitalization and nearly double the risk of death.
Experts emphasize that melatonin, though naturally produced by the body to regulate sleep cycles, doesn’t induce sleep directly. Excessive or prolonged use without medical guidance can disrupt cardiovascular balance and affect the body’s natural rhythm.
Instead, specialists recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) as a proven, sustainable, and medication-free treatment that delivers better long-term results.
To support healthy sleep naturally, doctors advise maintaining proper “sleep hygiene,” including:
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Using the bedroom only for sleep 🛏️
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Keeping a consistent sleep schedule ⏰
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Avoiding caffeine and nicotine before bedtime ☕🚭
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Reducing light and screen exposure 💡📱
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Having dinner at least three hours before sleep 🍽️
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Ensuring a comfortable room temperature 🌿
Following these daily habits can restore natural sleep patterns safely — without depending on hormonal supplements that may pose unexpected risks.
Regular health screening is one of the most important steps to maintain good health and detect diseases early. The essential medical checkups for every age help in preventing complications and ensuring a healthier life.
Many people, after doing medical tests, receive their results and immediately start looking at numbers and unfamiliar terms like (High – Low – Normal) without fully understanding what they actually mean.
When dealing with medical services, many people come across different titles for doctors such as “Specialist” and “Consultant”, which can sometimes create confusion about what each title actually means and how they differ from each other.
Choosing the right time to visit a doctor is not a random decision. It can directly affect how quickly a condition is diagnosed and how effective the treatment will be. Many people delay visiting a doctor or go at the wrong time, which may lead to worsening symptoms or delayed care.
