Which drug class includes substances used primarily to alleviate insomnia?

Hypnotics are a class of drugs specifically designed to promote sleep and manage insomnia. They function by depressing the central nervous system, resulting in sedative effects that help individuals fall asleep more easily and improve the quality of their sleep. Common examples of hypnotics include medications like benzodiazepines and certain non-benzodiazepine sleep aids that are prescribed for those experiencing sleep disorders.

In contrast, stimulants are used to increase alertness and attention, making them unsuitable for treating insomnia. Tranquilizers can help reduce anxiety, but they are not primarily aimed at inducing sleep. While some antidepressants may have sedative properties, their main purpose is to treat mood disorders rather than to specifically alleviate insomnia. Thus, hypnotics are the most accurate classification for drugs focused on treating sleep disturbances.