How does the body typically respond to acute stress?

The body's typical response to acute stress involves activating the sympathetic nervous system. This system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary physiological functions. When faced with stress, the body enters what is often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This response prepares the body to deal with perceived threats by increasing heart rate, enhancing blood flow to muscles, and releasing stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

This activation leads to a number of physiological changes designed to enhance performance and survival in stressful situations. For example, blood sugar levels increase to provide more energy, and non-essential bodily functions such as digestion may be inhibited temporarily. This is why the enhancement of digestion and the improvement of sleep quality do not occur in response to acute stress; rather, the body prioritizes immediate survival needs over long-term processes.

Hence, the correct answer reflects the primary mechanism by which the body deals with stress, emphasizing the urgency and immediate physiological adaptations that are critical for responding to threats.