Long-Term Melatonin Use: Hidden Heart Risks, Safety Tips & Better Sleep Solutions
Melatonin supplements alongside a clock symbolizing long-term sleep regulation and potential heart risks / Freepik Melatonin has become one of the most widely used over-the-counter supplements in the United States, especially among people struggling with insomnia, jet lag, or disrupted sleep routines. Its popularity has grown rapidly due to perceptions of safety, its natural origin, and its availability without prescription. Yet as consumption increases, researchers have begun examining what happens when people take melatonin not just for a few days or weeks, but for months or even years. A recent analytical study involving more than 130,000 adults with insomnia suggests that long-term use of melatonin — particularly for more than one year — may be associated with increased risks of heart disease and mortality. According to the findings, individuals who used melatonin for extended periods were 3.5 times more likely to be hospitalized due to heart failure compared...