New findings link extended melatonin use to increased health risks and suggest common sound-based sleep aids may disrupt critical sleep cycles.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
New research presented at major scientific forums is raising fresh concerns about the long-term safety and effectiveness of widely used sleep aids, including melatonin supplements and continuous sound exposure such as pink noise, both commonly relied upon by individuals with insomnia.
At the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025, investigators reported findings from a large-scale review of electronic health records involving more than 130,000 adults diagnosed with chronic insomnia. The analysis compared individuals who used melatonin for at least one year with those who had no recorded use. Researchers found that long-term users faced a 90% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with heart failure, were 3.5 times more likely to require hospitalization for the condition, and had nearly double the risk of death from any cause over a five-year period.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Ekenedilichukwu Nnadi, stated the observed association “raises safety concerns about the widely used supplement,” emphasizing the need for additional investigation into long-term outcomes. Researchers cautioned that the study’s observational design does not establish causation, noting that variables such as the severity of insomnia, underlying health conditions, or concurrent medication use may contribute to the elevated risks.
Melatonin’s widespread availability as an over-the-counter supplement in the United States has contributed to its reputation as a low-risk, natural sleep aid. However, its classification as a dietary supplement rather than a regulated medication means that product consistency and long-term safety data remain limited. The findings presented at the conference suggest that extended, routine use—particularly for chronic insomnia—may warrant closer clinical consideration.
Separate findings from the University of Pennsylvania, published in the journal Sleep, examined the physiological effects of pink noise, a sound frequency often promoted as a soothing alternative to white noise. In a controlled laboratory setting involving 25 healthy adults over seven nights, continuous exposure to pink noise at approximately 50 decibels was found to reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep by an average of 15 to 20 minutes per night.
REM sleep is recognized as a critical stage for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and cognitive restoration. According to lead author Dr. Mathias Basner, the presence of continuous background noise both interfered with the onset of REM sleep and disrupted its continuity. “The combination kind of wreaked havoc on the sleep,” Basner said, referring to scenarios where pink noise was used alongside environmental disturbances.
The study also reported that when pink noise was introduced to mask other sounds, reductions were observed not only in REM sleep but also in deeper stages of sleep. Participants did not show immediate measurable cognitive impairment after short-term exposure, but they consistently reported declines in perceived sleep quality, alertness, and mood.
In contrast, the use of basic foam earplugs proved effective in minimizing environmental noise without negatively affecting REM sleep. Researchers noted that blocking external noise may be a more physiologically sound approach than introducing continuous artificial sound during sleep.
The findings arrive amid a rapidly expanding global market for sleep aids, where products are frequently marketed as natural or science-based solutions despite limited long-term evidence. Both studies highlight gaps in understanding how sustained use of these interventions may influence overall health, particularly when used nightly or over extended periods.
The implications may be especially significant for vulnerable populations. Infants, for example, spend a substantial portion of sleep in REM stages essential for brain development. The growing use of sound machines in nurseries, while intended to create a stable sleep environment, may require reassessment in light of evidence suggesting that continuous noise can alter sleep architecture.
Researchers and clinicians are increasingly urging a more cautious and individualized approach to sleep management. For melatonin, current findings suggest it may be better suited for short-term use related to circadian rhythm adjustments rather than ongoing treatment of chronic insomnia. For sound-based aids, limiting volume, increasing distance from the sleeper, and avoiding continuous overnight exposure may reduce potential disruptions.
The studies underscore the complexity of sleep as a biological process and the potential unintended consequences of interventions that alter it. As further research is conducted, experts emphasize the importance of evidence-based decision-making and careful evaluation of widely adopted health practices.
Source: Natural News
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