Khaberni - A new study shows that the long-term use of the hormone Melatonin, which is prescribed for treating insomnia, may be associated with an increase in the risk of heart problems.
Melatonin is a hormone that the brain secretes at night to help regulate the body's biological clock. Manufactured melatonin tablets are used to help some people fall asleep faster and maintain sleep for a longer period, and are sold in many countries without a prescription as a "natural" dietary supplement.
After analyzing the electronic health records of more than 130,000 adult patients suffering from insomnia in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a number of other countries, researchers found that individuals who had been administered melatonin for more than a year were 89% more likely to suffer from heart failure within the following five years, compared to those who did not take the medication.
Results also showed that the risk of death for any reason was about double among long-term melatonin users. In a secondary analysis, it was found that the likelihood of hospitalization due to heart failure was nearly 3.5 times higher in this group.
Researchers noted that the melatonin usage data was drawn from prescription records, meaning that the control group might have included people who purchased melatonin without a prescription and used it. Thus, the study does not prove a direct causal relationship between melatonin and heart failure but highlights the need for further in-depth studies.
Professor Ikenyidelichukwu Nadi, head of the research team at New York University, said: "Melatonin is widely considered a safe, natural way to assist with sleep, so we were surprised by these significant and consistent findings indicating potential serious health effects."
Researchers emphasize that melatonin is still considered safe when used for short periods of up to one or two months, while data on its long-term use remains very limited, necessitating future clinical trials to evaluate its safety more accurately.
