Sensory adaptation is a reduction in sensitivity to a stimulus after constant exposure to it. While sensory adaptation reduces our awareness of a constant stimulus, it helps free up our attention and resources to attend to other stimuli in our environment.

For Example, A person who lives near a train station will notice the sound of the train when it first arrives. But after a while, the sound of the train will become less noticeable. The person has adapted to the sound of the train.

Try This At Home*:

If you put your hand in a bucket of cold water, the initial sensation is quite intense. However, after a few minutes, the sensation decreases as your body becomes used to the cold temperature.

* I am not responsible if the doctor has to cut off your arm or something goes wrong.

Nikesh used to be annoyed with sound of train when he moved to his new home, but he adapted.