Can melatonin or special lights fix long COVID sleep issues?

NCT ID NCT06404112

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tested two simple treatments—melatonin pills and tailored light therapy—to help people with Long COVID who have trouble sleeping. About 470 participants were randomly assigned to receive either melatonin, a placebo, or light therapy. The goal was to see if these treatments could reduce sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness. The study is now complete, and results will show if these approaches are effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: melatonin and tailored light therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward simple, accessible treatments for sleep disturbances in Long COVID patients.
What could go wrong: This is a completed phase 2 trial, so results are preliminary. The interventions may not work for everyone, and sleep issues are complex with many causes.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

long COVID-19 Parasomnias sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LONG COVID LONG COVID-19 SLEEP DISTURBANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

All sites listed under NCT06404086

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.