Arousal (activation) in psychology and neurobiology refers to a state of the nervous system that characterizes its level of excitation or activity. This term is used to describe the degree of wakefulness, readiness for action, and the body's response to environmental stimuli.
The level of arousal can vary from very low (deep sleep or deep relaxation) to very high (under the influence of severe stress or stimulating substances such as caffeine or adrenaline). The optimal level of arousal means the level at which a person or animal is in a state of maximum readiness to perform a task or action.
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