Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism, is a sleep disorder in which an individual engages in activities while they are asleep. These activities can range from simplistic tasks such as sitting up in bed to more complex ones, including driving a car or cooking a meal. The occurrence of sleepwalking is relatively uncommon, with only 1-15% of the population experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. The exact cause of sleepwalking is not entirely understood, but scientists have made significant strides in understanding the underlying mechanism of this curious disorder.

Sleepwalking generally occurs during the first few hours of sleep, while the individual is in the deep sleep stage. During this time, the brain is still partially asleep, and the individual is not fully aware of their actions. In the absence of a well-defined cause, scientists speculate that sleep deprivation, medication, stress, sleep disorders, and other factors may trigger sleepwalking.

A recent study suggests that sleepwalking is related to a change in the electrical activity of the brain. Scientists used an EEG to measure the electrical activity of the brains of sleepwalkers and discovered that they were sleepwalking when the brain waves characteristic of sleep were elevated, and those seen during wakefulness were reduced. The stage of sleep that causes sleepwalking is called delta sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep.

Delta sleep occurs in a part of the brain called the thalamus, which acts as a filter for information that is relayed to the cortex, the outermost layer of the brain. In sleepwalkers, the thalamus may be open to external stimuli, and the brain acts on that stimuli by initiating movement.

Other studies have displayed a link between sleepwalking and certain neurotransmitters such as dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Dopamine is linked to arousal and reward-seeking behavior, while GABA plays a crucial role in regulating sleep. In sleepwalkers, levels of these neurotransmitters may be imbalanced, causing erratic behavior during sleep.

Interestingly, scientists have also found a genetic link to sleepwalking. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of sleepwalking are more likely to experience it themselves. However, the exact gene responsible for sleepwalking has not been identified, and further research is needed to determine the role of genetic factors involved in this disorder.

In conclusion, sleepwalking is a curious and fascinating phenomenon. Although the exact cause of this disorder is not yet fully understood, research has made significant progress in identifying the underlying mechanism of sleepwalking. As scientists continue to uncover the mystery behind sleepwalking, those who experience this disorder can find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their experiences. As always, those who experience sleepwalking should seek the guidance of a medical professional for diagnosis and treatment.