California Heart Doctor Warns About Hidden Side Effects of Melatonin

A well-known cardiologist from California has warned people about the hidden risks of using melatonin for a long time. Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, who has 20 years of experience treating heart patients, shared that taking melatonin every night for more than a year may increase the risk of heart failure by 90 percent within five years.

Melatonin is a natural hormone made in the brain. It helps manage the sleep–wake cycle and tells the body when it is time to sleep. Many people take melatonin supplements when they have trouble sleeping. But Dr Bhojraj says that most people do not actually need the supplement. They need to fix their sleep habits instead.

In his Instagram video posted on November 14, Dr Bhojraj said that the American Heart Association studied more than 130,000 adults. The study found that people who used melatonin for over a year had a much higher chance of developing heart failure later.

He explained that melatonin may be natural, but that does not mean it is always safe. Other natural hormones like cortisol, estrogen, and insulin can also harm the body when they are not in balance. Melatonin works the same way. Taking too much of it for too long can confuse the body’s natural clock.

Dr Bhojraj also warned that using melatonin every night can disturb circadian rhythm, which controls sleep and many body functions. It can also change hormone signals and reduce the body’s own ability to make melatonin. He said that most people do not suffer from a melatonin deficiency. Instead, they have a problem with their sleep schedule, such as using screens late at night, sleeping at irregular times, or poor bedtime habits.

The doctor encouraged people to focus on simple sleep fixes like going to bed at the same time, keeping lights dim at night, and avoiding late-night phone use. He said that these small changes can improve sleep naturally without putting the heart at risk.

Dr Bhojraj’s message is clear: melatonin may seem harmless, but long-term use can affect heart health and disrupt the body’s natural balance.