Carlos Egea, pulmonologist: “Melatonin isn’t like drinking water or taking a plant juice”
This product has become very popular in pharmacies, requested by customers with sleep problems to sleep better and rest.
In recent years, melatonin has moved from being a term known mainly within scientific circles to a common product found in pharmacies and a frequent topic of conversation about sleep. Its popularity largely stems from its association with sleep regulation.
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body, primarily in the pineal gland. Its release increases as daylight fades, which is why it is often linked to the biological signal that tells us it is time to rest. It does not act as a sedative; rather, it functions as a regulator, helping to synchronise internal rhythms with the environmental light-dark cycle. In other words, it helps our biological clock maintain a stable routine.
Its widespread use is also tied to situations that can disrupt this internal clock, such as rotating work shifts or changes in time zones. In these cases, some people turn to melatonin supplements to help their bodies adjust. However, a study by the American Heart Association has raised concerns about its long-term effects on cardiovascular health. According to the study, individuals who take melatonin routinely for more than a year have nearly twice the risk of developing heart failure.
Although the relationship is not direct and further research is needed, pulmonology specialist Carlos Egea Santaolalla—president of the Spanish Federation of Sleep Medicine Societies (Fesmes), coordinator of the Alliance for Sleep group, and head of the Sleep Unit at the Araba Integrated Health Organization (OSI Araba)—agrees that the findings are concerning. “This highlights two things: that melatonin treatment is not as benign as people think, and that more focused studies are needed,” he told COPE Euskadi in an interview.
Without intending to cause alarm, he was clear about his stance on these supplements: “Melatonin is not like drinking water or plant juice; it is a treatment that requires medical supervision.”
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It is also important to remember that supplements cannot replace essential habits for restful sleep, such as keeping a consistent sleep schedule, reducing screen time before bed, and avoiding heavy meals. Seeking professional guidance is particularly recommended for those with medical conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or anyone taking other medications.
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