Requirements: 1. Maintain the original format and structure. 2. The translation should be accurate, fluent, and natural. 3. Maintain professionalism and consistency. 4. Only return the translation result; do not add any explanations. Original text: When a child finally falls asleep, a silent growth ceremony is taking place within their body—one of the key participants in this ceremony is a little-known neurotransmitter: GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is neither a calcium supplement nor a vitamin, yet it plays a crucial role in the hidden processes of a child’s height development. It is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, acting like a “sedative” for the nervous system. When GABA binds to receptors on the surface of neurons, it reduces neuronal excitability, helping the brain transition from an active state to a resting mode. This transition precisely triggers the core mechanism of height development: the onset of deep sleep. Studies have shown that GABA can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and prolong the duration of deep non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. During this phase, the secretion of growth hormone increases by more than five times compared to during the day. Clinical trials have found that GABA promotes the release of growth hormone in two ways: by activating the hypothalamus to release growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), thereby directly stimulating the pituitary gland; and by inhibiting growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (SS), thereby relieving its inhibitory effect on the growth process. Recent research also suggests that GABA may delay the onset of puberty by regulating the secretion of sex hormones, providing more opportunities for bone growth. Data shows that children with sleep disorders have nearly 30% lower GABA levels than children without such disorders, and their growth rates are significantly slower. So, can taking GABA orally really help children grow taller? There are many GABA products on the market claiming to promote height growth, but the scientific community is more cautious. Animal experiments have shown that young mice given high concentrations of GABA orally had increased tibia lengths; some clinical trials have also found that children who took GABA had improved sleep quality and faster growth rates. However, some experts point out that for children who have both sleep problems and growth delays, taking GABA one hour before bedtime may help improve growth hormone secretion. Nevertheless, there is controversy in the scientific community regarding whether GABA taken orally can cross the blood-brain barrier and act directly on the brain’s central nervous system. Most studies believe that exogenous GABA has difficulty entering the brain directly; a systematic review of 14 studies found that the evidence for GABA’s sleep-improving effects is limited and of poor quality. Experts warn that 60%-80% of a person’s height is determined by genetic factors, and overemphasizing the role of GABA can be misleading. For growth delays caused by sleep problems, GABA can be used as an adjunctive treatment; however, for genetic or pathological short stature, it cannot be considered a panacea. Parents using GABA products should consider the following five points: 1. GABA is mainly suitable for children with sleep disorders and growth delays (such as those who have difficulty falling asleep, wake up easily, or have frequent dreams), not for all children who are short in stature. 2. The daily intake should be limited to 500 milligrams; excessive intake may cause drowsiness during the day, headaches, or even damage to liver and kidney functions. 3. The best time to take GABA is one hour before bedtime, to coincide with the peak period of growth hormone secretion at night. 4. Choose compound formulas (such as GABA + prebiotics), as this combination is more likely to produce synergistic effects. 5. Short stature may be a sign of thyroid problems or growth hormone deficiency; blindly supplementing with GABA may delay treatment. In addition to GABA, there are other scientific methods that can help children grow taller: - Sleep: Ensure that children are in deep sleep between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. (it’s best to go to bed before 9 p.m.). - Environment: Avoid bright light and electronic screens one and a half hours before bedtime. - Exercise: Jumping exercises (such as skipping rope, basketball) help repair microdamage to the growth plates, while stretching exercises (such as swimming, gymnastics) promote the proliferation of cartilage cells. - Nutrition: Intake of calcium and vitamin D is crucial; 500 milliliters of milk per day generally meets the requirements, and supplementing with vitamin D can enhance calcium absorption. In summary, a healthy height does not need to be achieved through external supplements. The power to grow taller is inherent in every child’s genes.