In waking states, acetylcholine amplifies circuits for focus and attention, norepinephrine for alertness and movement, serotonin for bliss and stillness, and dopamine for goal pursuit and reward.

“So we know for instance and just to review, acetylcholine in waking states is a neuromodulator that tends to amplify the activity of brain circuits associated with focus and attention. Norepinephrine is a neuromodulator that tends to amplify the brain circuits associated with alertness, and the desire to move. Serotonin is the neuromodulator that's released intense to amplify the circuits in the brain and body that are associated with bliss and the desire to remain still. And dopamine is the neuromodulator that's released and is associated with amplification of the neural circuits in the brain and body associated with pursuing goals and pleasure and reward.”