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You are in: Home > Stroke Information > How Stroke Affects You > Tiredness

Tiredness

Tiredness or fatigue is very common after a stroke. It is one of the most commonly mentioned symptoms but it is not part of a medical diagnosis. It is quite common for people to be very sleepy for much of the time immediately after a stroke but this usually passes in the first few months. Many people experience a different tiredness, a profound fatigue that can go on for weeks, months and sometimes as much as a year or two after the stroke.

Often symptoms from stroke are exacerbated by tiredness making them temporarily worse.This especially affects things such as speech, concentration and memory.

Communication Problems

Poor Concentration

Memory Problems

Tiredness

As there is a tendency to overdo it on better days the result is feeling twice as tired the next day. This can add to frustration with your overall impression of your progress.

Maximise Therapy

Therapy can be exhausting and so for some people doing a little and often is more effective than trying to do too much at one time. This does not mean there will not still be progress. It may just not be as quick as you would like it to be.

Physical Activity

Remember to continue with some form of physical activity after formal physiotherapy ends. Exercise can be effective in fighting fatigue and helps to lift your mood. Do exercises at home and find out if there are any appropriate classes in your area.

Overcome Practical Problems

Pacing yourself will allow you to participate as much as you can and give you a feeling of more control over your life. Don’t feel judged or be put off by other people’s expectations of what you should or shouldn’t be doing.

Follow these simple tips

• don't overdo it on a good day no matter how well you feel
• set yourself realistic goals for each day—organise your time and prioritise
• allow yourself enough time to do things—avoid rushing
• plan important things for times when you will be most rested
• divide big jobs into smaller pieces—do one thing at a time
• build rest periods into your day and try to get as good a sleep as possible at night
• try not to get anxious—practice relaxation
• ask for help with the things you need help with
• know your limitations—get to know when it is time to stop and stick to it

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