Hypnotics are pharmaceutical agents used to induce sleep and manage insomnia or other sleep disorders. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, facilitating the onset of sleep. Common types of hypnotics include benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine sleep aids, each with varying durations of action and side effect profiles. Their effectiveness in improving sleep quality makes hypnotics an important option in the treatment of sleep-related issues.