A new study has found a link between long-term melatonin use and an increased risk of heart failure and mortality in people with chronic insomnia. The authors emphasize that further research is needed to assess the long-term safety of this supplement.
Melatonin is increasingly used to improve sleep in children; however, its long-term safety and effectiveness are not well understood. The medication should only be used as prescribed by a doctor and does not replace non-drug methods for addressing sleep issues.
About 22% of young Americans use cannabis or alcohol to improve their sleep, but experts warn that these methods can actually worsen sleep quality and lead to additional health problems.
The study found that anxiety and insomnia in young women are linked to a decrease in natural killer cell levels, which may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of illness.