Fatigue can also be caused by heart conditions. The stress and emotional upheaval you might be feeling since the diagnosis of a heart condition or after having stroke can make it even worse.
If you’re suffering from fatigue, you may find it difficult to regain independence and engage in your rehabilitation.
It can affect your quality of life.
Family and friends may not understand how exhausted you are, and that can make it very difficult.
Many people who suffer from fatigue after stroke also feel anxious or depressed.
It’s important to take steps to manage your fatigue as this can speed up your recovery.
You can do this by:
Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team about what else you can do to help manage your fatigue.
When you feel fatigue, it means your brain is not getting enough regular servicing. Getting enough sleep consistently at regular times in the day is your brain’s way of healing.
About 80% of people in recovery from stroke benefit from mid-day rest as part of their daily routine. Try to make sure this is no more than an hour and is at the same time every day. During this time, don’t read or play music or use the phone as these can be disruptive. Make sure your phone is on ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. Set an alarm to get up if you fall asleep.
Rise at the same time every day and go to bed at the same time every night. Keep your phone away from your bed. It is important you have enough sleep so that you wake up feeling rested.
Try thinking about the ‘3 Ps’ to help you form your own coping strategies:
Practise these good fatigue management practices. Keep it going. You will start to see benefits after about 7-10 days of doing this.
