Hypnotics, also known as sleeping pills, are a class of drugs primarily used to induce sleep and are often prescribed for managing insomnia or other sleep-related disorders. They function by depressing the central nervous system (CNS), thereby facilitating the onset and maintenance of sleep. Common classes of hypnotics include benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine receptor agonists (such as Z-drugs), barbiturates, and melatonin receptor agonists.
