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Taking melatonin to fall asleep might come with an unexpected side effect, according to new research from the American Heart Association.

A review of health records from more than 130,000 adults found that people who used melatonin for a year or longer were significantly more likely to develop heart failure, be hospitalized for it, or die from any cause within five years.

The findings were presented on Monday at the association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans.

“Melatonin supplements may not be as harmless as commonly assumed,” Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, the study’s lead author, said in a statement. “If our study is confirmed, this could affect how doctors counsel patients about sleep aids.”

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    3 days ago

    Because dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, their potency and purity can vary widely between brands.

    Experts emphasize that the study does not prove that melatonin directly causes heart problems. The analysis relied on prescription records, meaning many people who purchase melatonin over the counter may have been misclassified as nonusers.

    Experts say more research is needed to determine whether melatonin itself contributes to heart problems or whether it simply signals deeper issues with sleep and cardiovascular health.

    “The takeaway isn’t that melatonin is bad or that everyone should stop taking it,” Nnadi said. “It’s that we shouldn’t assume something is risk-free just because it’s natural or sold over the counter.”

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