The information on this page can be accessed in the following formats:

Post-stroke fatigue in the workplace

If you are working or thinking of going back to work after a stroke, fatigue can have an impact on you. Here are some practical tips that may help, as well as seeking professional support and advice.

  • Give yourself plenty of time to recover from your stroke before going back to work. Putting pressure on yourself could make it harder.
  • Talk to your employer about your stroke and how it has affected you. This can help them make any reasonable adjustments needed to help you to do your job, such as having breaks more often.
  • Think about having a phased return. This could mean working part-time at first, perhaps only for a couple of hours each day or every other day. Some people find fatigue occurs later in the day and feels like ‘hitting a wall’. To help you manage your energy levels, start with tasks and working hours that are manageable for you and build up slowly. Talk to your employer and agree on a plan that works for both of you.
  • An occupational therapist could assess your workplace.  They will advise whether to adapt any equipment you use or change working practices. If you do not have an occupational therapist, your GP can refer you or your employer may appoint one.
    .    
  • You could talk to your colleagues and explain your post-stroke fatigue. Because the tiredness is not visible, it is unlikely they will know about it unless you tell them.
  • Read our guide to work and stroke for more information. We also have a guide for employers that you may want to share with them.

I feel tired a lot now but know that I just need to rest a bit more and be patient with myself. I’m back at work and manage my hours more stringently so that I don’t exhaust myself.

Paula M, stroke survivor
Written and edited by
Jenny Simpson , Jonathan Jones , Gemma Harris