Is It Normal to Experience Tiredness After a Stroke?

Experiencing tiredness or fatigue after a stroke is a common issue that many survivors face during their recovery. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to understand that this tiredness is a natural part of the healing process. Stroke recovery affects not only the body but also the brain, and it requires significant energy to adapt and rebuild.

Keep reading to learn why tiredness is so common after a stroke, what factors contribute to it and how it can be managed effectively.

Understanding stroke recovery and its impact on energy levels

Stroke recovery can be a long and challenging journey, often involving physical, cognitive and emotional healing. The body and mind are working hard to repair the damage caused by the stroke, and this process can be incredibly draining. Many stroke survivors experience fatigue as a result of this extended recovery period.

When a stroke occurs, it interrupts the normal flow of blood to the brain, which can affect various brain functions. The brain requires a significant amount of energy to function, and after a stroke, it has to work harder to compensate for the damaged areas. This increased demand for energy can leave the body feeling tired and worn out. Additionally, stroke survivors may have to relearn basic skills like walking, talking or eating, which requires a great deal of cognitive effort and can lead to mental fatigue.

In the early stages of recovery, feeling tired is completely normal, but as time goes on, managing and understanding the underlying causes of this tiredness is essential to regaining a sense of normalcy and energy.

Common reasons for tiredness after a stroke

Tiredness or fatigue after a stroke is caused by a variety of factors, some physical and some mental. Below are some of the most common reasons why tiredness occurs after a stroke:

1. Physical recovery and healing

After a stroke, the body requires significant energy to heal and recover. The physical healing process can be draining, especially if the stroke has caused paralysis, weakness, or other physical impairments. The brain and body are working hard to regain lost functions, and the effort involved in physical rehabilitation can be exhausting. As the body repairs itself, it often requires more rest than usual to ensure proper recovery.

Impact: Healing from the stroke and working on physical therapy takes time and energy, which can result in prolonged feelings of tiredness.
Management: It’s essential for stroke survivors to listen to their bodies and take regular breaks to allow the body to heal without overexerting itself.

2. Cognitive fatigue

The brain consumes a large amount of energy, and after a stroke, it often has to work harder to compensate for the damaged areas. Stroke survivors may find that they have difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or processing information, all of which require significant mental energy. This cognitive fatigue can be just as tiring as physical fatigue and is often overlooked.

Impact: The brain’s increased effort to process information, relearn skills, or adapt to changes after a stroke can leave the individual feeling mentally exhausted.
Management: Engaging in short, focused mental activities and taking breaks can help manage cognitive fatigue. Over time, with continued rehabilitation, mental fatigue may lessen as the brain adapts.

3. Medication side effects

Many medications prescribed after a stroke, such as blood thinners, anticoagulants or medications for blood pressure, can cause fatigue as a side effect. These medications are necessary for recovery, but they may also contribute to feelings of tiredness or drowsiness, especially during the initial stages after a stroke.

Impact: Some medications may have sedative effects or lower blood pressure, which can make the person feel more tired or sluggish.
Management: If medications are causing excessive tiredness, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about potential adjustments to the medication regimen or timing.

4. Emotional impact of stroke

The emotional and psychological toll of a stroke can be significant. Stroke survivors often face depression, anxiety or frustration as they adjust to their new reality. The emotional stress of coping with the effects of a stroke, such as loss of independence or changes in abilities, can contribute to tiredness.

Impact: Mental and emotional exhaustion can sometimes be even more draining than physical fatigue. Dealing with grief, anxiety or depression can exacerbate feelings of tiredness.
Management: It’s important to address emotional health as part of stroke recovery. Support from family, counselling and therapy can help reduce emotional strain and improve energy levels.

5. Sleep disruptions

Stroke survivors often experience disrupted sleep patterns. This can be due to physical discomfort, pain or the mental stress of adjusting to new routines. Conditions like sleep apnea are also more common among stroke survivors, which can further impact the quality of sleep and increase daytime fatigue.

Impact: Poor sleep quality or sleep disorders can prevent the body from fully resting and recovering, leaving stroke survivors feeling tired during the day.
Management: Creating a consistent sleep routine, ensuring the sleep environment is comfortable, and seeking medical help for sleep disorders can improve sleep quality and reduce tiredness.

How to manage tiredness after a stroke

Managing tiredness after a stroke requires a combination of strategies aimed at supporting physical recovery, mental well-being and overall health. Here are some practical tips for managing tiredness during stroke recovery:

Prioritise rest and recovery
- Take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid overexertion
- Create a daily schedule that includes rest periods for physical and cognitive rejuvenation
- Consider short naps throughout the day to reduce fatigue
Regular, gentle exercise
- Engage in light activities like walking or stretching to improve circulation and stamina
- Consult with a healthcare provider to ensure exercises are safe and suitable for recovery
- Gradually increase exercise intensity as stamina improves
Nutrition and hydration
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains
- Stay hydrated to maintain energy levels and avoid dehydration
- Limit excess caffeine and alcohol to keep energy levels steady
Addressing sleep issues
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night with a consistent sleep routine
- Create a comfortable, relaxing environment to promote restful sleep
- Seek treatment for any sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, to improve sleep quality
Seeking support for emotional health
- Consider therapy or counselling to manage emotional stress and anxiety
- Join a stroke support group to reduce isolation and gain emotional support
- Talk openly about mental health to address feelings of frustration or depression
Setting realistic goals and expectations
- Break recovery into smaller, achievable goals to avoid overwhelm
- Celebrate small achievements and remain patient with setbacks
- Maintain a positive attitude and realistic expectations during the recovery process

How Country Cousins can help

Experiencing a stroke can be life-changing, not only for the individual but also for their loved ones.

At Country Cousins, we know that life can take unexpected turns and challenges we never expected. Experiencing a stroke and dealing with the care and rehabilitation that follow can leave families feeling overwhelmed and unprepared.

Our after-stroke at-home care provides all the support you need to live comfortably and independently at home while you recover and readjust.

Talk to our team today

Arranging care is easy with Country Cousins. With over 60 years of providing compassionate after stroke care at home, we know how to make the process simple and seamless. Call our experienced team today on 01293224706 to discuss your care needs and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.