Hands holding a model of the human heart.

Exploring the Connection Between Melatonin and Heart Disease

Written by: Mecene Research Team

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Published

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Time to read 11 min

Melatonin is well-known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. However, recent studies have highlighted a broader potential for melatonin, suggesting its protective effects on cardiovascular health. Research on melatonin and heart disease has shown promising results, particularly in how melatonin may support the cardiovascular system by reducing oxidative stress, improving blood pressure, and counteracting the impacts of ischemic heart disease.


From melatonin’s antioxidant properties to its influence on mitochondrial function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase, this hormone may offer cardioprotective effects that extend well beyond its sleep-enhancing benefits.

Brain with clock representing circadian rhythm.

What is Melatonin and How Does It Work?

Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the pineal gland that is crucial in regulating the body’s circadian rhythms, or internal clock. It signals to the body when it’s time to sleep and wake based on natural light and darkness cycles. As nighttime falls, melatonin levels rise, preparing the body for restful sleep.


In addition to managing sleep, melatonin synthesis may also support other processes in the body, such as lowering oxidative stress and reducing blood pressure, which are vital to heart health. Endogenous melatonin levels fluctuate with age and can be affected by light exposure, sleep habits, and even lifestyle factors.

Melatonin’s Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of melatonin’s key functions is as an antioxidant, protecting cells throughout the body—including heart cells—from damage caused by oxidative stress. By neutralizing harmful molecules known as reactive oxygen species, melatonin shields cells from oxidative injury and reduces peroxidation, which helps protect blood vessels from inflammation and plaque buildup.


These antioxidant properties make melatonin highly beneficial for cardiovascular health, as it strengthens cell defenses and helps reduce the impact of long-term inflammation, which is often linked to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

"In addition to managing sleep, melatonin synthesis may also support other processes in the body, such as lowering oxidative stress and reducing blood pressure, which are vital to heart health.”

Melatonin and Heart Disease: Understanding the Effects of Melatonin

Melatonin is emerging as a promising factor in heart health due to its ability to help regulate blood pressure, an important component of cardiovascular wellness. Studies have shown that melatonin administration can support healthier nighttime blood pressure levels, which may be particularly beneficial for those with high nocturnal blood pressure.


Melatonin supports the production of endothelial nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow. This helps lower strain on the cardiovascular system, potentially benefiting those at risk of conditions like ischemic heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases.

Can Melatonin Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease?

Research suggests that melatonin may help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular conditions. Melatonin’s cardioprotective effects come from its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and ability to stabilize blood pressure and support healthy blood vessel function.


For instance, studies indicate that melatonin supplementation may help reduce cholesterol buildup in the arteries, a leading cause of heart disease. These beneficial effects of melatonin indicate its potential in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, supporting both heart health and overall longevity.

The Link Between Sleep Disorders and Cardiovascular Disease

There is a close, two-way relationship between sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease. Poor sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, increased inflammation, and changes in blood vessel function, all of which can raise the risk of heart problems like coronary artery disease and ischemic heart disease.


On the other hand, existing heart conditions can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to disorders such as chronic insomnia or chronic intermittent hypoxia. This cycle between poor sleep and cardiovascular disease shows how closely linked the body’s sleep-wake cycles are to overall heart health.

Can Melatonin Improve Sleep for Better Heart Health?

Melatonin is essential in improving sleep quality, which is critical for protecting cardiovascular health. By promoting restful sleep, melatonin helps reduce nighttime blood pressure, stabilize heart rate, and decrease oxidative stress, all of which benefit the heart.


Studies on melatonin supplementation suggest that it can aid those with sleep difficulties by enhancing sleep duration and quality, lowering strain on the heart. Since poor sleep is a known factor in cardiovascular diseases, using melatonin to improve sleep may also protect against heart disease.

Person in bed sleeping.

Melatonin’s Role in Preventing Heart Attacks

Melatonin shows the potential to play a protective role during acute myocardial infarction by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. Researchers are exploring how melatonin could offer protective bene f its during and after these critical events.

Melatonin’s Effect on Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury

Studies suggest that melatonin may protect the heart during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, which occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked and restored. This process, though necessary, can cause additional injury to heart cells. Research indicates that melatonin’s antioxidant properties help reduce damage by counteracting reactive oxygen species and supporting antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase.


In animal models, melatonin has shown protective effects, reducing heart cell damage and improving overall cardiac function during these events. This suggests that melatonin could be important in safeguarding heart cells from damage caused by sudden blood flow restoration.

Melatonin and Heart Attack Recovery

Some studies suggest that melatonin can speed up recovery after a heart attack due to its ability to lower inflammation, support mitochondrial function, and reduce oxidative damage. By helping to regulate the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and supporting endothelial nitric oxide, melatonin may enhance tissue repair in the heart muscle after a heart attack. However, while studies highlight these benefits, some research has shown mixed results, suggesting that more clinical trials are needed to confirm melatonin’s role in heart attack recovery.

Illustration of vibrant human heart.

Can Melatonin Treatment Help with Hypertension and High Cholesterol?

Melatonin treatment may help manage hypertension, particularly by reducing nocturnal blood pressure levels, but its effects on high cholesterol are less consistent and require further research. Research suggests that melatonin can support blood pressure management by promoting nighttime relaxation of blood vessels, which helps reduce nocturnal blood pressure. This effect on blood pressure may be linked to melatonin’s influence on endothelial nitric oxide synthase, an enzyme that helps blood vessels expand and contract.


Additionally, studies indicate that melatonin may positively impact lipid metabolism, potentially lowering issues related to lipid and glucose metabolism that contribute to high cholesterol. Together, these effects make melatonin a potential tool for heart disease prevention.

How to Use Melatonin for Blood Pressure Management

Melatonin may be beneficial in supporting blood pressure management, but for best results, it’s essential to follow a few guidelines.


  • Start with a Low Dose: Low doses are typically effective and reduce the risk of side effects.

  • Take at Night: Melatonin is best taken before bed, as it works in sync with the body’s natural nighttime rhythms.

  • Combine with a Healthy Lifestyle: For optimal results, pair melatonin with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.

  • Consult Your Doctor: Before starting melatonin for blood pressure, especially if you’re on medication, talk to a healthcare provider.

  • Monitor Blood Pressure Regularly: Track your blood pressure to understand how melatonin affects your health.

Taking blood pressure.

What Are the Benefits of Melatonin for Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, a significant contributor to heart disease. Melatonin may reduce this buildup and support artery health.

Melatonin and Artery Health

Melatonin has shown potential in supporting artery health by reducing the risk of plaque buildup, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Studies suggest that melatonin’s antioxidant properties can help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a crucial factor in plaque formation.


Melatonin may slow the hardening and narrowing of arteries by lowering lipid peroxidation and stabilizing blood vessel walls. This process helps protect against coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular conditions by keeping blood vessels healthier over time.

Healthy arteries.

Melatonin’s Role in Reducing Inflammation in the Blood Vessels

Inflammation within blood vessels is a primary factor in artery hardening or atherosclerosis. Melatonin’s anti-inflammatory effects may be beneficial here, as it reduces inflammatory cytokines and ROS that can damage blood vessels.


By lowering inflammation, melatonin helps prevent the thickening and stiffening of artery walls, reducing the overall risk of cardiovascular complications. This protective effect on blood vessels makes melatonin a potential ally in preventing the progression of atherosclerosis and maintaining better artery health.

Are There Risks to Using Melatonin for Heart Health?

While melatonin shows many promising effects, some risks should be considered, especially for people with heart conditions.


  • Interactions with Medications: Melatonin may interfere with blood pressure or heart medications, so always check with a doctor.

  • Daytime Drowsiness: In some cases, melatonin can cause grogginess if not taken at the right time.

  • Potential Blood Pressure Changes: Although melatonin may lower blood pressure, it could have variable effects, so monitoring is important.

  • Hormonal Interactions: As a hormone, melatonin may influence other hormonal functions, especially in high doses.

  • Digestive Upset: Some people may experience nausea or digestive issues when taking melatonin supplements.

Conflicting Results from Human Studies

Research on melatonin’s benefits for heart disease management has shown mixed results, with some studies highlighting its positive effects while others are less conclusive. In specific clinical trials, melatonin supplementation improved outcomes in acute myocardial infarction and helped lower oxidative stress.


However, other studies have shown no significant difference in heart health outcomes, possibly due to differences in dosage, patient conditions, or study methods. This conflicting evidence suggests that while melatonin has potential, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety for heart health.

Bowl of supplements.

Dietary Sources of Melatonin for Cardiovascular Protection

Some foods contain natural melatonin, which, in addition to supplements, may support heart health. Adding melatonin-rich foods to your diet could help boost serum melatonin levels, offering mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for the cardiovascular system.


  • Tart Cherries: Known for their high melatonin content, tart cherries may improve sleep quality and reduce inflammation.

  • Walnuts: Walnuts contain melatonin and are rich in healthy fats, which can support heart health by lowering cholesterol.

  • Grapes: Grapes, especially darker varieties, provide melatonin and antioxidants, helping to reduce oxidative stress in blood vessels.

  • Tomatoes: Tomatoes have a moderate melatonin content and are packed with antioxidants like lycopene, which may protect against heart disease.

  • Oats: Oats contain melatonin and help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing stress on the cardiovascular system.

Bowl of tart cherries.

Can a Melatonin-Rich Diet Reduce Heart Disease Risk?

A diet high in melatonin-rich foods may offer some of the same heart health benefits as melatonin supplements. You can obtain endogenous melatonin while benefiting from other heart-healthy nutrients by consuming foods like grapes, walnuts, and tomatoes.


While dietary melatonin levels are lower than those in supplements, these foods may still help reduce oxidative stress, lower blood pressure, and improve lipid metabolism. However, melatonin supplementation may offer more targeted effects for people with specific heart conditions than diet alone.

How to Safely Use Melatonin for Heart Health

If you're considering melatonin supplements to support heart health, following a few safety guidelines can help maximize benefits and minimize risks.


  • Follow Recommended Dosages: Start with the lowest effective dose and avoid exceeding recommended amounts.

  • Take at Bedtime: Melatonin works best when taken in the evening, close to your usual bedtime.

  • Choose Quality Supplements: Opt for high-quality melatonin products to ensure purity and effectiveness.

  • Monitor Your Blood Pressure: Regularly check blood pressure levels to observe how melatonin may impact it.

  • Consult a Healthcare Provider: Speak with a doctor before starting melatonin, especially if you have existing heart conditions or take other medications.

Recommended Dosage for Cardiovascular Protection

When using melatonin for heart health, it’s essential to follow appropriate dosage guidelines to avoid potential side effects. While dosage may vary, most studies suggest that starting with 1–3 mg of melatonin can be effective for cardiovascular support. Higher doses may be used in some cases, but only under medical supervision.


Taking melatonin at night can help mimic the body’s natural melatonin release and may provide the best results for managing nocturnal blood pressure and supporting antioxidant properties. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best dose for your needs.

Is Melatonin a Natural Heart Protector?

Melatonin shows significant promise as a natural protector for the heart, thanks to its potential to regulate blood pressure, reduce oxidative stress, and support artery health. Melatonin may lower the risk of heart conditions like coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.


While research continues to highlight melatonin’s benefits, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects fully. For now, incorporating melatonin—whether through diet or supplements—may be a valuable addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle, though always with guidance from a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can melatonin supplements help prevent heart disease?

Melatonin may help reduce heart disease risk by supporting blood pressure, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting blood vessels.

How much melatonin should I take to improve heart health?

A dose of 1–3 mg is often suggested for cardiovascular benefits, but consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Does melatonin have side effects for people with heart conditions?

Some people with heart conditions may experience drowsiness or blood pressure changes, so medical guidance is recommended.

Can melatonin lower blood pressure naturally?

Yes, melatonin can help lower nighttime blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and reducing stress on the cardiovascular system.

Are there any risks of taking melatonin if I have heart disease?

Melatonin may interact with certain heart medications or impact blood pressure, so always consult your healthcare provider first.

REFERENCES

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Medically Reviewed By

Dr. James Pendleton

Dr. James Pendleton is a primary care physician specializing in a naturopathic approach to family medicine. He has nurtured a family practice in Seattle, directed a VIP medical center in Abu Dhabi, published several books and scientific articles, and designed innovative nutritional supplements for manufacturers worldwide.