What Is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the brain to regulate sleep and circadian rhythm. It is widely used as a supplement to support sleep and reduce jet lag. However, melatonin also has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-regulating, and neuroprotective effects—properties that may make it beneficial for people with Long COVID. In recent research, melatonin has been explored not just as a sleep aid, but as a potential therapy for symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and neuroinflammation—especially due to its role in protecting the brain, supporting mitochondrial health, and calming an overactive immune response.
Why Melatonin Might Help for Long COVID
- Supports sleep and circadian regulation – Long COVID often disrupts sleep patterns, and melatonin may help restore a healthy sleep cycle, improving energy and mental clarity.
- Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress – Melatonin acts as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the damage caused by free radicals and cytokines in Long COVID.
- Protects brain function and cognition – Melatonin may help reduce brain inflammation, improve blood flow, and protect against neurodegeneration, offering relief from brain fog and mood symptoms.
What the Research Says
Emerging research suggests that melatonin may support recovery from Long COVID by helping restore sleep cycles, reduce brain inflammation, and protect cellular energy production. Several scientific reviews highlight its antioxidant, mitochondrial, and immune-regulating effects—making it a promising tool for managing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and poor sleep.
Key studies on Melatonin and Long COVID
Articles discussing theoretical benefits:
- This viewpoint article highlights the role of circadian rhythm disruption in post-infectious fatigue and Long COVID. It suggests melatonin may help restore healthy sleep-wake cycles, reduce brain inflammation, and support energy production in cells, making it a promising option for managing fatigue and sleep issues in Long COVID.
- This review proposes that melatonin may reduce Long COVID symptoms by preventing viral persistence, regulating mitochondrial activity, and suppressing excessive inflammation. It highlights melatonin’s role in disrupting viral replication and protecting against long-term immune and metabolic dysfunction.
- This article describes melatonin as a ferroptosis inhibitor, which may help prevent brain aging and neurodegeneration following COVID-19. The review emphasizes melatonin’s antioxidant and neuroprotective potential for mitigating Long COVID-related cognitive decline.
- This review highlights melatonin’s “Swiss Army Knife” properties, including mitochondrial protection, antioxidant support, and immune modulation. It suggests that melatonin may help counteract mitochondrial dysfunction, viral reservoirs, and persistent inflammation in Long COVID.
- This narrative review discusses melatonin’s potential to treat brain fog and fatigue in Long COVID by reversing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction—paralleling mechanisms seen in ME/CFS and Alzheimer’s disease.
Final Thoughts
Melatonin is widely known as a sleep supplement, but it may offer much more for Long COVID recovery. Studies suggest it could help regulate the immune system, protect the brain, reduce inflammation, and support energy metabolism—making it a potential multi-target therapy for fatigue, brain fog, and sleep disruption. While clinical trials are still needed, melatonin has a long-standing safety profile and is generally well tolerated. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially for those with chronic health conditions or taking other medications.