"Among more than 130,000 adults across multiple countries, those who were prescribed melatonin long-term had an 89 percent higher risk of heart failure over five years, and were twice as likely to die from any cause, compared with those not prescribed melatonin."
A_D_E_P_T•3mo ago
Hold on a second.
People who are prescribed melatonin have seen a doctor for sleep or other health disturbances.
So all of this could be putting the cart before the horse. People who see the doctor for sleep issues -- or related health issues -- are more likely to die of heart failure for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with their melatonin prescription in itself.
You've got to run an analysis in healthy people who take melatonin via unprescribed supplements or from dietary sources. I'd bet it finds no increased morbidity.
I'd also bet that you find increased morbidity in people who take other prescription soporifics.
HardwareLust•3mo ago
Well, now I'm kind of glad I'm allergic to melatonin.
throwaway81523•3mo ago
A_D_E_P_T•3mo ago
People who are prescribed melatonin have seen a doctor for sleep or other health disturbances.
Heart failure is strongly associated with sleep disturbances, see e.g.: https://www.nature.com/articles/nrcardio.2016.71
So all of this could be putting the cart before the horse. People who see the doctor for sleep issues -- or related health issues -- are more likely to die of heart failure for reasons that have absolutely nothing to do with their melatonin prescription in itself.
You've got to run an analysis in healthy people who take melatonin via unprescribed supplements or from dietary sources. I'd bet it finds no increased morbidity.
I'd also bet that you find increased morbidity in people who take other prescription soporifics.