Managing fatigue after stroke
Post-stroke fatigue is real and common. Simple pacing strategies help you do more without crashing.
Fatigue after stroke is not ordinary tiredness - it can arrive suddenly and be hard to sleep off. Pacing is the key skill.
Understand your energy
- Notice the times of day you feel strongest.
- Track activities that drain you the most.
- Accept that rest is part of recovery, not a failure.
The 3 P’s: pace, plan, prioritise
- Pace: break tasks into shorter chunks with breaks.
- Plan: schedule demanding tasks when energy is highest.
- Prioritise: decide what truly matters today.
Protect your sleep
- Keep a consistent bed and wake time.
- Wind down with a calm routine before bed.
- Limit screens and caffeine late in the day.
When to ask for review
- Fatigue that worsens or comes with low mood.
- New symptoms alongside the tiredness.
- Difficulty doing daily tasks you managed before.
How this site helps
You don’t have to do everything at once. Pick one small idea from above and try it this week.
- Turn a goal into a daily habit with Practice.
- See the evidence behind these ideas in Research.
- Practise the underlying skill with a calm game.
Remember: this is general education, not medical advice. Your clinician knows your situation best.