Long-term Use of Melatonin May Increase Risk of Heart Failure
January 26, 2026
Melatonin is one of the most popular supplements on the market. In fact, many Americans take it daily to promote better sleep. However, new research, set to be presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025, suggests melatonin may cause heart failure.
A recent study found long-term use of melatonin supplements to promote sleep and address insomnia is associated with a higher risk of heart failure diagnosis, hospitalization and death.
The study's results came as a surprise to many.
“Melatonin is widely viewed as a low-risk aide to promote sleep with short-term use. While this study raises important safety questions, the findings are observational and cannot prove that long-term use of melatonin causes heart failure, highlighting the need for further research,” says Cynthia Kos, D.O.,of the Advanced Heart Failure, LVAD and Transplant Cardiology Program at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Understanding the Research
Before you throw away your melatonin, Kanika P Mody, MD, of the Advanced Heart Failure, LVAD and Transplant Cardiology & Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension Program at Hackensack University Medical Center, says it’s important to note the link between melatonin and heart health is an association.
Dr. Mody says the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship and cannot explain why long-term melatonin use was associated with a higher risk of heart failure. She notes that other factors were also listed in the study such as severe insomnia and underlying depression and anxiety.
“While the study examined insomnia as a risk factor for developing heart failure, the reverse can also be true,” says Dr. Mody. “Difficulty sleeping can be a symptom of existing heart failure. This can be due to disease-related anxiety, medication side effects, or breathing difficulties like orthopnea (shortness of breath when lying down) that are common in heart failure patients.”
The Connection Between Poor Sleep and Heart Health
Numerous studies have linked poor sleep habits to adverse heart health. Lack of sleep can cause obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which can lead to stroke and heart failure. However, Dr. Kos believes that the new research on melatonin and heart health may lead cardiologists to take a closer look at their patients' sleep habits.
“Short or fragmented sleep can raise stress hormones, blood pressure and heart rate, all of which increase the workload on the heart. Ongoing sleep problems should not be ignored - they can be an early warning sign of a heart condition (such as heart failure) or a factor that can worsen existing heart conditions," says Dr. Kos.
What Should You Do If You Take Melatonin?
Although further research is needed to determine if there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between long-term melatonin use and heart failure, both Dr. Kos and Dr. Mody recommend speaking with your doctor if you take melatonin.
“Melatonin is a great tool to promote sleep, but it is not meant to be taken daily and is intended for short-term use,” says Dr. Kos.
If you experience chronic sleep issues, she recommends consulting your primary care physician or a sleep medicine specialist.
“There’s no reason to suffer without sleep. There are plenty of options available to help people with a wide variety of sleep issues so they can get the rest they need. Talking with your provider is important to come to a safe approach,” she says.
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our experts: Kanika P Mody, M.D,, Cynthia Kos, D.O.
- Make an appointment online with Dr. Mody or Dr. Kos, call 800-822-8905 or find a cardiologist near you here.
- Learn more about heart care at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through Healthier You is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
