India, Dec. 19 -- For many people, popping a melatonin gummy has become a go-to solution for restless nights, late workdays or disrupted sleep schedules. Marketed as a 'natural' and seemingly harmless sleep aid, melatonin is often taken without much thought about dosage or duration. However, medical experts caution that frequent, unsupervised use - especially at higher doses - may not be as benign as it appears. When used long-term or without guidance, melatonin can have subtle yet significant effects on the heart and cardiovascular system, making medical advice essential before turning it into a nightly habit.

Dr Ajit Menon, Director of Cardiac Sciences at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai, and an interventional cardiologist...