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Melatonin for sleep linked to 90% higher risk of heart failure, study finds (www.sfchronicle.com)

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/health@lemmy.world

23 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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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[–] RobotToaster@mander.xyz 43 points 1 month ago (3 children)

This sounds like it's probably a case of correlation != Causation. It's probable that people taking it are more likely to have underlying conditions.

[–] protist@mander.xyz 26 points 1 month ago (1 children)

That is explicitly what the researchers say as quoted in the article

[–] ChicoSuave@lemmy.world 12 points 1 month ago

Yeah, but it's helpful to have it posted here to provide common sense among the speculation in the comments.

[–] ArbitraryValue@sh.itjust.works 5 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I know that "linked to" does not formally claim causation and "might come with an unexpected side effect" is technically unfalsifiable, but I still think that journalists have a responsibility not to write such articles even when the researchers presenting the correlation are making an implausible claim that causation is likely.

This article does appropriately include some reasons to doubt the interpretation that melatonin causes heart failure, but nonetheless the very existence of the article will give members of the public the impression that there is good evidence that melatonin might be dangerous (which there isn't). Readers depend on reporters' judgement so many readers will think "If this isn't important information, then why is it in the newspaper?"

[–] Soktopraegaeawayok@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

Makes me think of the people who base their political opinions off little more than divisive headlines and click bait trash articles

[–] altphoto@lemmy.today 1 points 1 month ago

More like those who don't get good sleep both need melatonin and heart checks.