The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is advancing efforts to address the debilitating effects of Long COVID through the RECOVER Initiative, which is currently conducting several mid-stage clinical trials targeting specific symptoms. These trials, which are still recruiting participants, aim to alleviate sleep disturbances, exercise intolerance, and post-exertional malaise (PEM). Learn more about these trials and how you can participate.*

Targeting Sleep Disturbances

Sleep disruptions are among the most common complaints of Long COVID patients. The RECOVER-SLEEP trials explore innovative approaches to address hypersomnia and complex sleep issues, including:

• Medications for hypersomnia. This trial tests modafinil and solriamfetol, FDA-approved drugs for excessive daytime sleepiness, in people with Long COVID. Participants will take either these medications or a placebo for 8–10 weeks.
• Treating complex sleep disorders. Melatonin and light therapy are being evaluated to improve sleep cycles. Participants will be assigned melatonin or a placebo, alongside high- or low-intensity light therapy, for eight weeks.

Overcoming Exercise Intolerance and PEM

Chronic fatigue and physical limitations are widespread among people living with Long COVID. Two RECOVER-ENERGIZE trials focus on restoring physical function:

• Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Combining exercise training, education, and social support, this program aims to help individuals regain stamina. Participants with PEM are excluded to prioritize safety.
• Structured Pacing for PEM. This trial trains participants in activity regulation to manage symptoms without triggering PEM. Structured pacing, guided by coaches, is compared to basic PEM education.

The RECOVER Initiative emphasizes inclusivity to ensure diverse representation in its trials. Patient advocacy groups played a pivotal role in shaping trial designs, particularly for PEM. 

Moving Forward with RECOVER

With the addition of these trials, RECOVER is now testing 13 treatments across eight clinical trials, addressing the most persistent and burdensome symptoms of Long COVID. For more information, visit RECOVER Clinical Trials or click on these trial identifier links to view details of these newest studies at ClinicalTrials.gov:

• NCT06404047 
• NCT06404060 
• NCT06404073 
• NCT06404086 
• NCT06404099 
• NCT06404112

*National Institutes of Health. (2024, August 8 [Last updated]). NIH to open long COVID clinical trials to study sleep disturbances, exercise intolerance, and post exertional malaise [Press release]. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-open-long-covid-clinical-trials-study-sleep-disturbances-exercise-intolerance-post-exertional-malaise 

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