Let?s Talk About Feeling Tired After a Stroke
After a stroke, almost all stroke survivors feel tired at some point. Stroke survivors often must work harder to compensate for the loss of normal functions (such as being unable to use an arm or hand). But you’ll probably start feeling less tired after a few months. For some people, tiredness may continue for years after a stroke, but they usually find ways to make the most of the energy they have.
It’s important to pinpoint what’s causing you to be tired. Then you can take action to manage it. Consult with your healthcare provider to rule out any medical conditions that might cause tiredness or make it worse. You may feel tired after a stroke for four major reasons:
- You may have less energy than before because of sleeping poorly, not getting enough exercise, poor nutrition or the side effects of medicine.
- You have as much energy as before, but you’re using it differently. Because of the effects of your stroke, many things, like dressing, talking or walking, take a lot more effort. Changes in thinking and memory take more concentration. You have to stay “on alert” all the time — and this takes energy.
- You also may feel more tired due to emotional changes. Coping with frustration, anxiety, anger and sadness can be draining. Depressed feelings are common after a stroke. Often, loss of energy, interest or enthusiasm occurs along with a depressed mood.
- You may feel more tired because of depression. Depression is very common after a stroke. Clinical depression is a treatable illness that happens to many stroke survivors. Symptoms include significant lack of energy, lack of motivation, and problems concentrating or finding enjoyment in anything. Talk to your doctor about an evaluation for clinical depression if tiredness continues.
- Tell your doctor how you feel and make sure you have had an up-to-date physical. Besides evaluating any medical reasons for your tiredness, your doctor also may check to see if your fatigue could be a side effect of your medication.
- Celebrate your successes. Give yourself credit when you accomplish something. Look at your progress, not at what’s left to be done.
- Try naps, or schedule rest periods throughout the day. Rest as long as you need to feel refreshed.
- Learn to relax. Sometimes the harder you try to do something, the harder it is to do. You become tense, anxious and frustrated. All this takes more energy. Being relaxed lets you use your energy more efficiently.
- Do something you enjoy every day. A positive attitude or experience helps a lot to boost energy levels. Engage in social interaction with other people or go out into the community and be social.
- Physical activity is important. With permission from your doctor, consider joining a health and wellness program.
- Talk to your doctor, nurse or other healthcare professionals. Ask about other stroke topics. This is one of many Let’s Talk About Stroke fact sheets.
- For more information about stroke or to get more fact sheets, call the American Stroke Association at 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653) or visit us online at StrokeAssociation.org.
- If you or someone you know has had a stroke, call the American Stroke Association’s “Warmline” at 1-888-4-STROKE (1-888-478-7653), and:
– Speak with other stroke survivors and caregivers trained to answer your questions and offer support.
– Get information on stroke support groups in your area.
– Sign up to get Stroke Connection, a free magazine for stroke survivors and caregivers.
Take a few minutes to write your own questions for the next time you see your healthcare provider:
What can I do to decrease my tiredness?
Could clinical depression be causing my tiredness?
Are the medicines I take causing my fatigue?
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