Health expert Dr Archita Mahajan has advised people to opt for yoga and natural lifestyle changes instead of depending on sleeping pills, citing emerging research that links long-term melatonin use with increased risk of heart failure.
Dr Archita Mahajan, a Nutrition Dietitian and Child Care expert with a Master’s degree in Food Nutrition and Dietetics, is also a Homeopathic Pharmacist and trained Yoga Teacher. She has been nominated for the Padma Bhushan National Award and honored by the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh governments.
Referring to a recent study, she stated that prolonged and regular use of melatonin supplements may significantly increase the risk of heart failure. According to researchers, individuals who take melatonin over an extended period could face up to a 90 percent higher risk of heart failure compared to those who do not use the supplement.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle. While it is generally considered safe and widely used by millions to improve sleep quality, experts warn that excessive or long-term consumption may interfere with cardiovascular function.
Dr Mahajan explained that high doses or prolonged intake of melatonin could disturb the body’s natural hormonal balance, alter blood vessel behavior, and impact the heart’s ability to pump effectively. The study suggests that long-term supplement use may put additional stress on the cardiovascular system, particularly in older adults or those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Health experts also caution that many users consume melatonin without fully understanding its long-term effects. Over-the-counter supplements often contain doses higher than what the body naturally produces, potentially increasing health risks.
The findings have prompted the medical community to reconsider how sleep aids are marketed and monitored. Dr Mahajan emphasized that melatonin is not meant for indefinite use and should only be taken under medical supervision.
She concluded by recommending yoga, meditation, balanced nutrition, and proper sleep hygiene as safer and sustainable alternatives for managing sleep disorders. According to her, adopting a healthy lifestyle can improve sleep naturally without exposing the body to unnecessary risks.
