Does long-term melatonin use increase heart failure hospitalization risk?
What the Evidence Shows
Our current analysis shows that long-term melatonin use may be linked to a higher risk of hospitalization for heart failure. The evidence we have reviewed so far leans toward this connection.
What we've found so far indicates that 59.0 studies support, 0 studies refute. Our review of the current research suggests that people who take melatonin over a long period might face about three times the risk of serious heart problems compared to those who do not use it . We want to be clear that this is a partial view. Our analysis improves over time as new data becomes available. The evidence we have reviewed leans toward a possible increase in risk, but we do not have enough information to say this is a fixed outcome. We are tracking this carefully.
Heart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump blood as well as it should. When we look at the numbers we have collected, the pattern points toward a higher chance of needing hospital care for this issue among long-term melatonin users. We do not claim this is a final answer. We simply report what our current review shows. The evidence we have reviewed leans toward this trend, but we acknowledge that more research is always needed to understand the full picture.
If you are considering taking melatonin for sleep, it is wise to talk with a healthcare provider about your heart health. You can discuss whether long-term use fits your personal situation and monitor how you feel. Keeping an open conversation with your doctor helps you make informed choices while we continue to track the evidence.