{"id":3898,"date":"2026-07-01T16:39:20","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T16:39:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/?p=3898"},"modified":"2026-07-19T12:27:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T12:27:19","slug":"neuroptimal-neurofeedback-for-post-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/neuroptimal-neurofeedback-bij-post-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback for post-COVID"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3898\" class=\"elementor elementor-3898\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6dfb56 e-con e-atomic-element e-flexbox-base e-4917377\" data-id=\"a6dfb56\" data-element_type=\"e-flexbox\" data-e-type=\"e-flexbox\" data-interaction-id=\"a6dfb56\">\n    \t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5aa933 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d5aa933\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\"><strong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"585\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback for post-COVID<\/strong> is a way to support your recovery when symptoms persist after a COVID infection. Many people recover within a few weeks, but for some, the symptoms remain longer. You don't feel like you used to. Your energy is lower, your head feels slow or full, you become overstimulated more easily, and everyday activities suddenly require much more effort.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">When symptoms persist after COVID, it is often referred to as post-COVID or long COVID. Common complaints include fatigue, brain fog, concentration problems, sleep problems, shortness of breath, muscle or joint complaints, and a clear relapse after exertion. The World Health Organization lists, among others, fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive complaints, and sleep problems as common symptoms of post-COVID.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback can offer valuable support at this stage. It is a gentle form of brain training that helps the brain to regulate itself better. Not by forcing, but by giving the brain feedback about its own activity.<br \/><br \/><\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b>What is post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Post-COVID means that symptoms after a COVID infection persist for longer and affect daily functioning. The symptoms can be mild, but also so severe that working, exercising, social activities, or family life become difficult.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Many people with post-COVID recognise symptoms such as:<\/p><ul class=\"ul1\"><li class=\"li3\">persistent fatigue;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">brain fog;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">concentration problems;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">memory problems;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Overstimulation;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">poor sleep;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">headache;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Dizziness;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">palpitations;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">shortness of breath;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">muscle or joint pain;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">react more emotionally;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">post-exertion malaise;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Difficulty with work, study or social activities.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\">Post-COVID can vary greatly from person to person. One person may primarily experience physical fatigue, while another may have mainly cognitive complaints such as brain fog, concentration problems, and overstimulation. Symptoms can also vary from day to day.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Brain fog after COVID<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Brain fog is a commonly reported symptom of post-COVID. People describe it as their head feeling foggy, slow, or full. You might have difficulty thinking, planning, reading, following conversations, or remembering information.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">That can be very frustrating, especially when you were used to thinking quickly, multitasking, or performing well before COVID. With post-COVID, it sometimes feels like your brain is working less efficiently. Simple tasks can suddenly require a lot of energy.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Research into long COVID describes cognitive symptoms, fatigue and post-exertional malaise as significant and common symptoms. A large review reported fatigue in 32% and cognitive impairment in 22% of those people 12 weeks after infection.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/neurofeedback\/\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback<\/a><\/span> kan bij brain fog interessant zijn, omdat het zich richt op de zelfregulatie van het brein. Het doel is niet om harder te trainen of cognitieve taken te forceren, maar om het brein op een rustige manier feedback te geven. Daardoor kan het brein stap voor stap meer flexibiliteit en veerkracht ontwikkelen.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Why does the nervous system become unbalanced after COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Post-COVID is increasingly being viewed as a complex recovery issue that can involve multiple systems. These include the nervous system, immune system, stress system, energy regulation, sleep and sensory processing.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Many people notice that their bodies and brains have become more sensitive. You can tolerate fewer stimuli, need more recovery time, and react more strongly to stress, exertion, or poor sleep.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">At Brain-Fit, we therefore don't just look at the \u201cpost-COVID\u201d complaint, but at the whole system. How do you sleep? How do you react to stimuli? What happens after exertion? How quickly do you recover? How does your head feel at the end of the day?<\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback aligns well with this broad view, as it focuses on regulation. The brain receives information about its own activity and can then self-correct based on that.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Post-exertional malaise: relapse after exertion<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">A key symptom for many people with post-COVID is relapse after exertion. This is also called post-exertional malaise, often abbreviated as PEM. You do something that may seem achievable at the time, but later you experience a clear worsening of symptoms.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">This can happen after physical exertion, but also after mental or social exertion. Think of working behind a screen, a demanding conversation, driving, grocery shopping, or a birthday party.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Complaints can then increase, such as:<\/p><ul class=\"ul1\"><li class=\"li3\">Extreme fatigue;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">brain fog;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">headache;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Dizziness;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Muscle pain;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">poor sleep;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">palpitations;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">hypersensitivity;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">a flu-like feeling;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Emotional instability.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\"><br \/>In 2024, Amsterdam UMC warned that symptoms of long COVID can worsen after physical exertion and that some classic forms of rehabilitation or physiotherapy can therefore be counterproductive.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">That's why, with post-COVID, it's important not to force recovery. NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback requires little active effort. You don't need to deliver any physical or cognitive performance. You sit relaxed, while your brain receives feedback. This makes it an accessible form of support for many people with limited capacity.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>How does NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback work for post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Tijdens een sessie <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/neurofeedback-for-post-covid-long-covid\/\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback for post-COVID<\/a><\/span> You are sitting relaxed in a chair. You are listening to music or watching a film. Your brain activity is measured using sensors. When the system registers sudden changes or instability, you hear a brief interruption in the sound.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The interruption provides your brain with information about its own activity. You don't need to consciously do anything with it. You don't need to concentrate, analyse anything, or perform any exercises.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">This is particularly beneficial post-COVID. Many people quickly become exhausted by mental tasks, conversations, screen time, or stimuli. NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback requires little energy, while still providing the brain with feedback that can help develop more calm, stability, and flexibility.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Why can NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback help with post-COVID \/ long COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">After post-COVID, the brain is often less flexible in switching between exertion and recovery. Your system gets stuck more quickly in fatigue, alertness, brain fog, or overstimulation.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback supports the brain's self-regulating capacity. The system does not steer the brain in a fixed direction, but provides feedback. This gives the brain the opportunity to correct itself.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Many clients experience changes after multiple sessions such as:<\/p><ul class=\"ul1\"><li class=\"li3\">more peace of mind;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">less brain fog;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Better concentration;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">sleep deeper;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">to become less easily overstimulated;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">recover faster from mental exertion;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">more emotional stability;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">more clarity;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">better sensory processing;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Gradually increasing load capacity.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\">The goal is not to \u201ctreat away\u201d post-COVID symptoms. The goal is to support the brain and nervous system towards greater regulation, rest, and resilience.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Overstimulation in post-COVID<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Over-stimulation is common with post-COVID. Noise, light, screens, conversations, busy spaces, or social activities can suddenly feel much more intense than before.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Your head gets overloaded more quickly. You might get headaches, feel dizzy, have foggier thinking, or suddenly become completely exhausted. Sometimes it feels as though your brain filters less effectively what's important and what isn't.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback can help the brain to respond more smoothly to stimuli. Clients often describe this as: \u201cI can cope with more without immediately relapsing\u201d or \u201cMy head stays calmer in busy situations.\u201d<\/p><p class=\"p1\">This is important for post-COVID recovery. When you become less easily overstimulated, there is often more room to cautiously build up daily activities.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Sleep problems in post-COVID<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Sleep plays a big part in recovery. Yet, many people with post-COVID sleep worse. You find it harder to fall asleep, wake up more often, or wake up not feeling rested.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms. Fatigue, brain fog, headaches, heightened sensitivity to stimuli, and emotional instability often increase when the brain does not recover sufficiently.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback can support the brain in achieving more calm and self-regulation. Many clients notice that their sleep gradually deepens or that their mind becomes less active when they want to relax.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">At Brain-Fit, we also look at sleep patterns, sensory load, recovery periods, and daily energy balance.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>How many sessions are needed for post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">At Brain-Fit, for post-COVID, we often plan for a course of approximately 15 to 20 sessions. Some people notice changes sooner, while others require more time.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">This depends on various factors, such as:<\/p><ul class=\"ul1\"><li class=\"li3\">how long the complaints have existed;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">how severe the fatigue is;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">whether there is a case of PEM;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">how well you sleep;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">how many stimuli you can tolerate;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">how much tax there is daily;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">the level of stress;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">general load-bearing capacity and recovery ability.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\"><br \/>Throughout the programme, we\u2019ll be focusing primarily on how you function on a day-to-day basis. Are you sleeping better? Do you recover more quickly after physical exertion? Do you feel calmer? Are you better able to cope with stimuli? Are you able to gradually build up your work, family or social activities?<\/p><p class=\"p1\">These are important signs that the nervous system is developing more stability and resilience.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>The PNEI vision in post-COVID<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">At Brain-Fit, we combine NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback with guidance from the PNEI perspective. PNEI stands for Psycho-Neuro-Endocrino-Immunology. This means we look at the interconnectedness between the brain, nervous system, hormones, immune system, stress, sleep, nutrition, and resilience.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">With post-COVID, that broad perspective is important. The symptoms are often not just cognitive or physical. The whole system can be disrupted. Sleep, stress, diet, inflammatory activity, breathing, hormonal balance, sensory overload, and energy regulation can all influence recovery.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">This is why at Brain-Fit we don't just look at neurofeedback sessions, but also at what helps your body and brain to recover better on a daily basis.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Is NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback a treatment for post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback is not a medical treatment that cures post-COVID. It is a form of brain training that supports the brain's self-regulating capabilities.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">That distinction is important. Post-COVID can be complex and sometimes medical guidance is necessary. In case of severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, we always advise you to contact your GP or medical specialist.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback can be a valuable addition to a broader recovery plan. It is well-suited for people who are easily overstimulated, have low resilience, or struggle with brain fog, sleep, and recovery.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Who is NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback for if you have post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback may be suitable when you experience post-COVID symptoms such as:<\/p><ul class=\"ul1\"><li class=\"li3\">brain fog;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">persistent fatigue;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">concentration problems;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Overstimulation;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">sleep problems;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">headache;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Dizziness;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">difficulty with screens;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">post-exertion malaise;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">stress sensitivity;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Emotional instability;<\/li><li class=\"li3\">Difficulty with work, study or social activities.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\">An intake is important to determine if NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback is suitable for your situation. Sometimes additional medical, physiotherapeutic, psychological or other support is needed. Brain-Fit is happy to look with you at what approach is suitable.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback with Brain-Fit<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/why-brain-fit\/\">Brain-Fit<\/a><\/span> begeleidt mensen met post-COVID, brain fog, overprikkeling, stressklachten en slaapproblemen vanuit de locaties Hillegom en Amstelveen. Cli\u00ebnten komen onder andere uit Haarlem, Leiden, de Bollenstreek, Hoofddorp, Haarlemmermeer, Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Aalsmeer en Almere.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Our approach combines NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback with a broad perspective on recovery. We look at your brain, but also at your nervous system, sleep, stress levels, sensory processing, lifestyle, and resilience.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">The aim is for your system to develop more calm, balance, and resilience step by step. Not only during the sessions, but especially in your daily life.<\/p><p class=\"p2\"><b><br \/>Would you like to know if NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback is suitable for your post-COVID symptoms?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Do you continue to experience symptoms after COVID? Are you suffering from brain fog, fatigue, overstimulation, sleep problems or post-exertional malaise? Then NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback could be a valuable support.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">At Brain-Fit, we start with an intake. We discuss your complaints, your capacity, and your recovery goals. Following this, you will receive honest advice about what you can expect and which course of action might be suitable.<\/p><p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/to-make-an-appointment\/\">Plan an intake session at Brain-Fit<\/a><\/span> en ontdek of NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback jouw brein en zenuwstelsel kan ondersteunen bij meer rust, herstel en belastbaarheid na COVID.<br \/><br \/><b><\/b><\/p><h2 class=\"p2\"><b>Frequently asked questions about NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback for post-COVID \/ long COVID<\/b><\/h2><p class=\"p4\"><b><br \/>Can NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback help with post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Yes, NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback can be supportive for post-COVID complaints. It helps the brain to develop more self-regulation, calm and flexibility. Many clients experience more mental calm, better sleep, less overstimulation and more clarity.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><b><br \/>Brain fog after COVID is a symptom where people experience difficulties with thinking, concentration, and memory. It can feel like your thoughts are slow or unclear.<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Brain fog means your head feels misty, sluggish, or full. You may have trouble concentrating, thinking, planning, reading, or following conversations. This is very common with post-COVID.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><b><br \/>Is NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback heavy for post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">No. During a session, you don't need to do exercises or perform anything. You sit relaxed, listen to music or watch a film, while your brain receives feedback. This makes it accessible for people with limited capacity.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><b><br \/>How many sessions are needed for post-COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">At Brain-Fit, we often work with a programme of around 15 to 20 sessions for post-COVID patients. Some people notice a change sooner, while others need more time. This depends on the symptoms, resilience, and recovery capabilities.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><b><br \/>Is NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback a treatment for Long COVID?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback is not a medical treatment that cures long COVID. It is a form of brain training that supports the brain's self-regulating ability. Medical assessment is important for serious or worsening symptoms.<\/p><p class=\"p4\"><b><br \/>Can I combine NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback with other therapies?<\/b><\/p><p class=\"p1\">Yes, that is often a good option. NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback can be used as a complementary treatment alongside medical care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, breathing therapy, psychological support, coaching or lifestyle guidance.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NeurOptimal\u00ae neurofeedback bij post-COVID is een manier om je herstel te ondersteunen wanneer klachten na een COVID-infectie blijven aanhouden. Veel mensen herstellen binnen enkele weken, maar bij een deel blijven de klachten langer aanwezig. Je voelt je niet meer zoals voorheen. Je energie is lager, je hoofd voelt traag of vol, je raakt sneller overprikkeld [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3902,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3898","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3898"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3898\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4384,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3898\/revisions\/4384"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3902"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3898"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3898"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brain-fit.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3898"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}