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If you’ve ever felt completely worn out after doing something as simple as grocery shopping or having a conversation, you’re not alone. Fatigue is one of the most common and lasting effects of brain injury. In fact, studies suggest that up to 70% of people with traumatic brain injury experience chronic fatigue, even years after the initial injury.

This kind of tiredness isn’t just being sleepy—it’s a deep exhaustion that doesn’t always improve with rest. And because it’s often invisible, others might not understand why you need to lie down after something that seems minor. But the truth is, your brain is working harder than most people’s, and that takes a lot of energy.

Why fatigue happens after brain injury…

Every task—whether it’s reading, walking, or following a conversation—requires your brain to process information. After an injury, the brain often has to work less efficiently, using extra pathways to do what once felt automatic. That extra effort drains energy quickly.

On top of that, other symptoms like sleep problems, pain, or medication side effects can make fatigue worse. The result is a cycle where even small activities can leave you feeling overwhelmed.

The importance of pacing

One of the most effective strategies is pacing—breaking tasks into smaller steps and allowing for regular rest breaks. Think of your energy as a limited budget: if you spend it all at once, you’ll crash. But if you plan carefully, you can stretch it throughout the day.

For example:

• Instead of cleaning the whole house in one go, focus on one room at a time.
• Break social activities into shorter visits.
• Schedule appointments and important tasks earlier in the day when your energy is higher.

Planning with the “3 Ps”

A simple tool many survivors find helpful is the 3 Ps: Prioritize, Plan, Pace.

• Prioritize: Decide what truly matters today. Not everything needs to get done.
• Plan: Look at your schedule and space out demanding tasks with recovery time in between.
• Pace: Take breaks before you feel completely drained—this prevents bigger crashes later.

Listening to your body

Your body often gives subtle signals before fatigue fully sets in: irritability, fuzzy thinking, or increased sensitivity to noise or light. By noticing these signs early, you can step back before reaching total exhaustion.

It can also help to keep a simple journal of your activities and symptoms. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns—what activities drain you the most, and what restores your energy.

Support and understanding

If you’re a caregiver, remember that fatigue isn’t laziness or lack of motivation. It’s a real, biological consequence of brain injury. Offering support might mean encouraging rest without guilt, helping plan the day, or simply validating how tough it is.

Moving forward

Fatigue after brain injury can feel frustrating and isolating, but with strategies like pacing, planning, and prioritizing, it becomes more manageable. By respecting your limits and adjusting expectations, you can conserve your energy for the things that truly matter.

Most importantly, remember this: your energy is valuable, and protecting it is part of your recovery.