This paper presents a dynamic model of stress and sustained attention, examining how stress affects vigilance and attention performance tasks. Stress is viewed as a multifaceted phenomenon that can be analyzed through three perspectives: input stress (environmental factors), adaptive processes (internal responses), and output stress (behavioral responses). The model proposes three modes of operation: dynamic stability, dynamic instability (progressive failure), and a transition state between them. These modes reflect the adaptational capacity of individuals and a common response strategy across different levels of operator functioning. The paper discusses the effects of stress on sustained attention, emphasizing that the task itself can be a significant source of cognitive stress. It contrasts the complex effects of acoustic stress (noise) on sustained attention with the clearer patterns observed in thermal stress. The paper argues that an integrated view of stress and performance must consider the task as a primary influence in generating stress. It also explores the effects of temperature on sustained attention, noting that high body temperature can degrade performance, while low temperature has less impact. The paper further examines the effects of noise on vigilance performance, highlighting the lack of consistent findings and the complexity of noise effects. It contrasts this with the more predictable effects of temperature. The paper also discusses the role of physiological and psychological responses in stress, noting that physiological responses are more directly linked to environmental stressors, while psychological responses are influenced by task demands and individual appraisal. The paper presents a dynamic model of stress and sustained attention, which incorporates input stress, adaptive processes, and output stress. The model suggests that as input stress increases, adaptive capacity is drained, leading to a transition from dynamic stability to dynamic instability. The model also considers the interaction between stress and task demands, noting that task demands can be a significant source of stress. The paper concludes that a comprehensive understanding of stress and performance requires a dynamic model that integrates input, adaptive, and output stress. It emphasizes the need for further research to develop a more accurate and predictive model of stress effects on sustained attention and performance. The paper also highlights the importance of considering the task itself as a source of stress and the need for a more integrated approach to stress and performance research.This paper presents a dynamic model of stress and sustained attention, examining how stress affects vigilance and attention performance tasks. Stress is viewed as a multifaceted phenomenon that can be analyzed through three perspectives: input stress (environmental factors), adaptive processes (internal responses), and output stress (behavioral responses). The model proposes three modes of operation: dynamic stability, dynamic instability (progressive failure), and a transition state between them. These modes reflect the adaptational capacity of individuals and a common response strategy across different levels of operator functioning. The paper discusses the effects of stress on sustained attention, emphasizing that the task itself can be a significant source of cognitive stress. It contrasts the complex effects of acoustic stress (noise) on sustained attention with the clearer patterns observed in thermal stress. The paper argues that an integrated view of stress and performance must consider the task as a primary influence in generating stress. It also explores the effects of temperature on sustained attention, noting that high body temperature can degrade performance, while low temperature has less impact. The paper further examines the effects of noise on vigilance performance, highlighting the lack of consistent findings and the complexity of noise effects. It contrasts this with the more predictable effects of temperature. The paper also discusses the role of physiological and psychological responses in stress, noting that physiological responses are more directly linked to environmental stressors, while psychological responses are influenced by task demands and individual appraisal. The paper presents a dynamic model of stress and sustained attention, which incorporates input stress, adaptive processes, and output stress. The model suggests that as input stress increases, adaptive capacity is drained, leading to a transition from dynamic stability to dynamic instability. The model also considers the interaction between stress and task demands, noting that task demands can be a significant source of stress. The paper concludes that a comprehensive understanding of stress and performance requires a dynamic model that integrates input, adaptive, and output stress. It emphasizes the need for further research to develop a more accurate and predictive model of stress effects on sustained attention and performance. The paper also highlights the importance of considering the task itself as a source of stress and the need for a more integrated approach to stress and performance research.