Sleeping drugs {hypnotic drugs}

 4.1. Benzodiazepines (hypnotic drugs)

Hypnotic or somniferous medications also referred to as sleeping pills, are a family of psychoactive pharmaceuticals whose main purpose is to induce sleep. They are used to treat insomnia (sleeplessness), as well as for surgical anesthesia.

Sedatives are connected to this group. The phrase "sedative" refers to medications that are used to reduce or calm anxiety, whereas the term "hypnotic" refers to medications whose primary function is to induce, maintain, or lengthen sleep. Drugs in this class are frequently referred to as assisted-hypnotic drugs because these two roles commonly overlap and because they typically have dose-dependent effects (ranging from anxiolysis to loss of consciousness).

For insomnia and other sleep problems, hypnotic medications are frequently used; in certain nations, hypnotics are prescribed to more than 95% of insomnia patients.

or insomnia and other sleep problems, hypnotic medications are frequently used; in certain nations, hypnotics are prescribed to more than 95% of insomnia patients

Before prescribing sleep medication, a doctor may recommend changes to the environment before and during sleep, better sleep hygiene, and avoiding caffeine or other stimulating substances instead because many hypnotic drugs are habit-forming and due to the large number of factors that are known to disturb the human sleep pattern. When prescribed, hypnotic drugs should only be taken for as long as is absolutely necessary.