Once the datesheet was announced, the students started paying attention and preparing for the examination. They made notes, took tests and attended coaching class neglecting their diet and sleep. As the examination approached students felt draining of bodily resources and falling sick indicates _________ stage of General Adaptations syndrome.

Exhaustion stage

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS):  GAS involves three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

1. Alarm reaction stage : The presence of a noxious stimulus or stressor leads to activation of the adrenalpituitary-cortex system. This triggers the release of hormones producing the stress response. Now the individual is ready for fight or flight.

2. Resistance stage : If stress is prolonged, the resistance stage begins. The parasympathetic nervous system calls for more cautious use of the body’s resources. The organism makes efforts to cope with the threat, as through confrontation.

3. Exhaustion stage : Continued exposure to the same stressor or additional stressors drains the body of its resources and leads to the third stage of exhaustion. The physiological systems involved in alarm reaction and resistance become ineffective and susceptibility to stress-related diseases such as high blood pressure becomes more likely.