Hi,
It is common to feel tired sometimes and it can usually be explained by an increase in activity or lack of sleep. Feeling tired after a stroke though is different though, and it does not always get better with rest.
The post stroke symptom of feeling tired all the time is not unusual and is called stroke fatigue. Post stroke fatigue affects people physically and mentally. Stroke fatigue affects between 40-70 percent of people after a stroke. Some of the things that can contribute to this are medication and lack of sleep due to pain but also increased energy demands if upper body or lower body weakness is being experienced.
Some recommendations to deal with post stroke fatigue are to be kind to yourself and moderate your activity levels. Take regular rests when possible.
Let people know that you are experiencing post stroke fatigue as it may not be obvious to people that are around you. Plan your activities so that you preserve your energy. Stroke fatigue can stay with people for some time after a stroke but it can also improve with time.
Please also refer to our stroke recovery fact sheet for more information: fatigue.
Kind regards,StrokeLine
Hi there Jo, i had a pontine stroke 6 weeks ago and am 43. I can tell you that you're not alone in the fatigue department.Ive been home a week now and really find it kicking in a lot. I just sit or lie down on a regular basis. I find I don't necessarily need sleep, just physical rest. No TV or anything, just good old rest. Ive been researching this a little bit and it appears theres a reasonable chance it may rectify itself over time. I guess the body has a lot to deal with after a stroke, so fatigue is perhaps forgiven. Don't be afraid to tell people you are tired or you need to sit or lie somewhere comfortable. They understand.
Hey Jo, my stroke was 8 years ago, then 48 and mine happened in hospital. On discharge (the day after the stroke) I slept between 18 and 22hrs per day for the next 4 to 6 weeks, diminishing as the weeks went on to my normal 5hrs to 6hrs per night.
Hey Jo,
Here are some more comments from the Facebook community.
Sharron Goodey Fatigue can be absolutely overwhelming at times. You are in the very early stages of recovery and the fatigue you feel will dictate how much you do each day. It fluctuates also I found - some good days that raise your hopes and then wham - four hour out to the world naps again ! Take care
Anne Hazlewood I had my stroke in 2013 and usually wake at around 11am and have breakfast for lunch. I am sick of trying to change. Sleep whenever your body tells you and take care xxx
Jane Enter Just think of how much a newborn sleeps, requiring energy to prune and establish neural pathways. Your brain needs the same extra rest and sleep as it repairs and rewires areas.
Diana De Marchi After my stroke I could sleep for 18 hours and still be exhausted, your brain needs time to adjust and every stroke survivor (and we are survivors) will have different issues. Nearly four years on I now have the opposite problem and can’t sleep properly, it’s just as exhausting. I would advise you to talk to your health professionals though if you are concerned. Best wishes to you
Narla Bordin Metaxas Yes itss normal i had my cva stroke at 37 in 2008. Recovered very well due to trial of clot busting drug given to me early. I slept alot for months & months & even now still get things muddled up. Your brain has been shocked & rehab is mentally & physically exhausting. Give yourself time. All the best.
David Roland Jo, think of sleep as therapy. Our bodies have an inbuilt mechanism called homeostasis which does things automatically to help us heal when we are out of whack. When we sleep a lot of healing in the body takes place. You could also think of it as a response to mental fatigue because the world that once seemed normal now seems overwhelming following a stroke, and hence, the bodies/brains desire to shutdown stimulation more frequently.