Hi Moli
Thank you for your question. Your father’s sleeplessness sounds very debilitating, we are sorry to hear what he is experiencing. It is good that you reached out.
It can be common to have difficulty sleeping after a stroke. Sleep disturbance can be due to negative or worrying thoughts which may be a result of anxiety and/ or depression. With support, sleeplessness may improve.
It would be good for him to see a GP to get assessed. They may prescribe some medication or refer to specialists such as a psychiatrist. It would be good to also discuss whether he has any pain, spasming, medication or other medical conditions that may contribute to sleeplessness. It may be helpful to make a sleep diary to bring to the GP including times that he is awake or asleep, pain, any interventions.
Things to also consider are basic sleep hygiene- Sticking to a regular bedtime, switching off from any electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime and avoiding caffeine and nicotine before bed are just some of the ways that can improve your sleep. Also consider decreasing the stimulation in the environment, ensure a dark room at an adequate temperature.
Meditation or relaxation can also prepare for a good night sleep and help reduce the negative or worrying thoughts. There are some good websites and apps for mindfulness that your father can use if he has a mobile phone and you are both happy to download them. If you think this could help, there are many guided meditations from the Mindful Movement page here or an app such as Calm here, or Smiling Mind here.
Have a look at this page for more information. https://enableme.org.au/resources/sleeping
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact StrokeLine 1800 787 653 or email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm AEDT.
Kind regards,
Kath (StrokeLine)
Hi Moli,
Here is some advice from survivors of stroke which may assist you too.
Chris Myrtle
I use melatonin can get from the chemist and it’s a slow release or you can get buy some online sorry don’t know the website. It’s 3 yrs since mine & can still can overwork my brain, just rest when you need too
Lynda Christensen
initially for me it was i couldnt get comfortable also i started to feel more tired once my physio got me into the pool for some sessions it also helped me to relax wondering if this is a possibility for you then hace a nice shower get somebody to position your body in a comfy position i had a nurse that put me in the same position as her hip op patients hope this helps you a bit
Cheryl Whitlock
I found taking fish oil tablets helped a lot. I take 2 in the morning and 2 at night
JLadybug Washington
Sleep when you can.... short naps thru the day....when tired go lay down...it's ok to get 5 at night ...but those naps
will also help....it's ok....you have to realize it's a new you.....new way of doing some things...
Janice Clarke
2 and half years post stroke and the fatigue and fears are still so present. It has improved but it's a new way of living with the damage done. Melatonin does work short term
Will Johns
It’s been 3 years since my stroke and sleep is an issue for me . It doesn’t help my last job had strange hours and I’m a light sleeper . Brain fade is my main problem. Good luck with your journey and remember your not alone
Angela Hauzer
Three weeks post stroke. Your brain will still be on fire. He kind to yourself and get plenty of rest. One thing I’ve had to do since my strokes (nearly seven years on) is wear ear plugs when I sleep. I find my mind takes quite a bit to settle and the plugs block our noise. Also being over tired and over stimulated makes it harder for my mind to settle. It’s taken years for me to understand my body. You will get there too. Small steps and I hope you find your relief.
Sherree Morgan
3 weeks is still so early on post stroke, you’re still realising that this isn’t just adrenaline or shock from what’s happened to your brain and changes in your body!! Rest when you can, no matter the time of day, use music (if you can tolerate it) mindfulness apps, not so much for mindfulness right now but to distract and try fall asleep. I removed myself from sleep environment and had a hot drink, watched some tv or read until I felt tired again and went back off to bed to sleep!! The adjustment is a big one, but it gets easier… try different things for you! Tough one but try get out of your head you’re going to stroke again - Wishing you a positive and supportive recovery.