Sleeping – one of the most important factors for the human body to function properly – has been at risk for as long as humans have existed. Mental health and physical health doctors constantly emphasize the importance of sleep and the risks a lack of it causes to the brain and the body’s normal functions.
The solution to sleep issues? Melatonin.
It is popular among many, but most of all, teenagers and young adults.
Melatonin is a hormone that the human body produces naturally hours before bedtime to regulate the circadian rhythm. Melatonin supplements, such as chocolates or gummies, increase the amount of melatonin in the system. Although doctors do not recommend this as part of a routine, many people ignore the warning.
A 2023 survey from JAMA Pediatrics found that 19.4% of teenagers used melatonin. Now studies show that the risks may be more severe than anticipated. Recent studies also show a sizable increase in melatonin prescriptions for kids ages six and under – up to a 500% increase, according to MedPage Today.
As reported on MedPage Today, a study conducted by Chelsea Kracht, PhD, of the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City reported that between 40–50% of younger kids had their melatonin prescription refilled for up to two to three years after it was first prescribed, demonstrating a potential long-term dependency on the sleep aid.
Preliminary research at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions discovered that adults who take melatonin for a year or longer have a 90% chance of heart failure over five years, compared to those who do not take melatonin. Although researchers found this worrisome, they emphasized that the statistics show an association and not necessarily direct causation.
Specialists have linked cardiovascular disease to insomnia and several other sleeping disorders in the past, which could also interfere with the data in the melatonin research.
“People with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been shown to have higher rates of coronary heart disease and strokes,” UCLA Health said.
Although the news is concerning, the most common users are not too worried about it.
“I saw the study on the news, and my mom and I talked about it. We’re probably going to stop using it as much,” Ava Blonairz, a senior, said. “I’m not extremely worried, but I think there’s definitely some risk.”
However, not all students who use melatonin share the same level of concern about the potential risks.
“I started taking it last year on and off… it helps me knock right out. I’m not too concerned [about the news] because I don’t take it every day… but I’m definitely going to tone it down a little,” Daniel Lopez, senior at West Chicago Community High School, said.
Another factor that could be disrupting sleep for many, and interfering with the natural production of melatonin, is supplements. Although a broad concept, many supplements can act as stimulants for the brain, which prevents it from winding down.
These supplements include, but are not limited to, caffeine-containing supplements, often hidden in green tea, yerba mate, or guarana, vitamin D supplements, and brain-health supplements, according to Dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S., RD.