Melatonin, a hormone produced naturally in the brain, has become a popular supplement for people struggling with sleep problems. Often called a “natural” sleep aid, it is available over-the-counter in many forms, including pills, gummies, and capsules. Millions of people around the world use it to help with insomnia, jet lag, or irregular sleep schedules.
Recently, a large study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) 2025 conference raised questions about melatonin and heart health. Researchers looked at health records of over 130,000 adults and found that people taking melatonin had higher rates of hospitalisation for heart failure compared with those who did not take the supplement. Specifically, about 4.6 percent of melatonin users were hospitalised for heart failure, compared with 2.7 percent of non-users — almost double.
These findings made headlines and caused some concern among the public. However, doctors caution that the study shows an association, not proof of harm. Just because heart failure hospitalisations were higher among melatonin users does not mean melatonin caused these problems. Many of the participants taking melatonin may have already had other health issues, severe sleep disorders, or higher stress levels that increased their risk.
Dr Haresh Mehta, Director of Interventional & Structural Cardiology at SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim, explains that the study is a warning to be careful, but it is not a reason to panic. The research did not include over-the-counter melatonin users, and it did not record the exact dosages people were taking — two critical factors that make it impossible to draw firm conclusions.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, which helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. The body naturally produces very small amounts, mostly at night. Commercial supplements, however, often contain doses many times higher than what the body normally makes.
Some animal studies and small human studies suggest that melatonin can affect heart functions. It may influence heart rate, blood vessel tone, and the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, all of which play a role in heart performance. High or long-term doses of melatonin could, in theory, affect heart rhythm or function in people with heart disease. But so far, there is no clear proof from large, controlled trials that melatonin directly causes heart failure.
Experts stress that the findings are only a signal, not a verdict. They highlight that we still do not know enough about how long-term melatonin use affects the heart. Future randomised trials will be needed to determine whether melatonin is a risk factor or simply a bystander in people who are already at risk of heart problems.
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For people who use melatonin, there is no need to stop suddenly or panic. Instead, doctors recommend taking a careful, measured approach:
Consult your doctor: Talk to your cardiologist before making any changes. Discuss the dose you are taking, how long you have used it, and whether alternative sleep aids might be safer.
Address underlying sleep problems: Look at lifestyle factors that may be causing insomnia, such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, and irregular sleep schedules. Often, improving sleep hygiene works better than taking supplements.
Avoid high doses: Over-the-counter products may contain up to 10 mg of melatonin per dose, which is much higher than the body naturally produces. Taking extra-strength products without medical supervision can be risky, especially for people with heart conditions.
Monitor your health: People with heart disease or a history of heart problems should be extra cautious and follow up regularly with their healthcare providers.
Dr Mehta emphasises that clinical decisions should always be personalised. Headlines can be alarming, but they do not replace proper medical advice. Melatonin is not inherently dangerous, but moderation and careful monitoring are key.
Melatonin is a helpful tool for sleep, but it is not risk-free. The new study reminds us that even “natural” supplements can affect the body in unexpected ways. Long-term use, high doses, and underlying health conditions, especially related to the heart, should be considered carefully.
Good sleep habits — such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, limiting screen time before bed, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and managing stress — often provide better results than relying solely on a supplement.
In summary, melatonin is not a cause for fear, but it should be used wisely. People with heart conditions should consult doctors, keep doses moderate, and focus on improving overall sleep hygiene. Awareness and moderation, rather than panic, remain the best approach while scientists continue to study its effects on heart health.
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