Yes, melatonin can cause skipped heart beats (premature ventricular contractions or PVCs) and palpitations in some individuals, even those with structurally normal hearts, especially at higher doses or with long-term use, though it's also associated with heart protection in other contexts. Reports show symptoms like palpitations, PVCs, and even dizziness resolving after stopping melatonin, suggesting a potential proarrhythmic effect in susceptible people.
Sleep medications containing melatonin can potentially induce ventricular arrhythmias in structurally normal hearts:A 2-patient report. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2017;70:267–70. 2. Priori SG, Blomström-Lundqvist C, Mazzanti A, Blom N, Borggrefe M, Camm J, et al.
A secondary analysis found: Participants taking melatonin were nearly 3.5 times as likely to be hospitalized for heart failure when compared to those not taking melatonin (19.0% vs. 6.6%, respectively).
Common side effects
Melatonin increases susceptibility to atrial fibrillation in obesity via Akt signaling impairment in response to lipid overload.
Coronary artery disease, other heart problems and previous heart surgery. Narrowed heart arteries, a heart attack, heart valve disease, prior heart surgery, heart failure, cardiomyopathy and other heart damage are risk factors for almost any kind of arrhythmia. High blood pressure.
The 30-second rule in atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a widely used, though debated, guideline defining an AFib episode as an irregularly irregular heart rhythm lasting at least 30 seconds on an ECG, used to distinguish it from shorter, less significant atrial arrhythmias and help guide diagnosis and treatment, particularly for stroke risk and ablation success. While a standard for trials and device monitoring, newer research suggests shorter runs of AF might still be clinically important, prompting ongoing discussion about whether this threshold accurately reflects stroke risk and overall AF burden.
Signs of melatonin overdose include excessive sleepiness, vomiting and trouble breathing. Other side effects of both low and high doses of melatonin can include headaches, excessive sleepiness, blood pressure changes, gastrointestinal problems, changes in other hormone levels and mood problems, McCall says.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have autoimmune disorders, seizure disorders, depression, bleeding issues, or are on certain medications (like blood thinners, blood pressure drugs, diabetes meds, or immunosuppressants) should generally avoid melatonin or consult a doctor first, as it can worsen conditions, interfere with meds, or cause side effects like daytime drowsiness, especially in older adults with dementia.
Melatonin did not alter BP reactivity in healthy normotensive men and women. However, melatonin did decrease nighttime peripheral and central systolic BP, suggesting it may be beneficial in lowering BP even in those with a normal BP.
Sleeping on the right side is often considered the best sleeping position for heart palpitations and overall heart health. Research suggests that right-side sleeping: Reduces pressure on the heart. Lowers the risk of irregular heartbeats.
Doctors often don't prescribe melatonin because strong evidence for its long-term effectiveness and safety is limited, especially for general insomnia, with behavioral therapies like CBT-I preferred as initial treatments, plus concerns exist about unregulated supplement quality (incorrect dosages, contaminants) and unknown long-term effects, particularly in children, where behavioral approaches are usually better. While approved in specific cases (like for children with autism), it's generally a short-term option, not a first-line fix for most adults or kids.
Cautions with other medicines
Melatonin is fast-acting and will have you feeling sleepy within 20 to 40 minutes. Melatonin will stay in your system for about five hours. Shift workers: If you work the night shift, getting to sleep can be difficult because you are trying to sleep during the day, when your brain is not producing melatonin.
Conclusions: In a large, multinational real-world cohort rigorously matched on >40 baseline variables, long-term melatonin supplementation in insomnia was associated with an 89% higher hazard of incident heart failure, a three-fold increase in HF-related hospitalizations, and a doubling of all-cause mortality over 5 ...
Melatonin's biggest job is regulating your sleep-wake cycle. But it works in other areas of your body, too: Melatonin helps maintain regular menstrual cycles. Melatonin can also protect your brain health and prevent brain cells from breaking down.
The most common side effects of melatonin supplements are drowsiness and headaches. Many people experience vivid dreams and nightmares while taking melatonin. At higher doses, some people have other side effects including: Feeling confused and disoriented.
PVCs become more of a concern if they happen frequently. “If more than 10% to 15% of a person's heartbeats in 24 hours are PVCs, that's excessive,” Bentz said. The more PVCs occur, the more they can potentially cause a condition called cardiomyopathy (a weakened heart muscle).
Heart surgery or stress due to surgery or sickness also may cause AFib. Some people who have atrial fibrillation have no known heart disease or heart damage. Lifestyle habits that can send the heart into AFib may include: Drinking too much alcohol or caffeine.
If you can't feel a pulse on your wrist, try checking under your jaw. Be careful as this makes some people lightheaded. If your pulse feels irregular, try checking for 60 seconds instead. The beat should be steady and regular.
Conditions That Can Look Like AFib
When your heart unexpectedly starts to race or flutter and feel like it is skipping a beat, they are called heart palpitations. These sensations can be felt in the throat, neck or chest and can last for a few seconds or several minutes. People experience heart palpitations in different ways.
You should also talk to your doctor before you take any OTC medications, supplements, or other products that may affect your heart or impede the medication that you are taking. If you feel faint or dizzy or notice your arrhythmia acting up, lie down immediately. Don't drive or keep trying to do what you're doing.
What cancels naturally occurring melatonin sleep hormone? Because melatonin is triggered by darkness, being exposed to light at night can block melatonin production, especially the blue light from digital devices such as cell phones.
It can also raise your risk of low blood glucose, low blood pressure, and bleeding if you take it with other medications that have these effects. It's best to avoid taking melatonin with alcohol, cannabis, and other medications that cause drowsiness. This includes medications like Benadryl, diazepam, and opioids.