Choose the one which can be substituted for the given sentence.
A medicine that induces sleep
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Hypnotic: This is the primary medical term for a drug that induces sleep. While often grouped with sedatives, "hypnotic" specifically refers to the sleep-inducing quality (hypnosis), whereas "sedative" primarily refers to a calming or anxiety-reducing effect.
Sedative: A drug used to calm or reduce excitement/anxiety. While higher doses of sedatives can cause drowsiness, their main function is relaxation.
Narcotic: A drug (often an opioid) that relieves pain and can induce drowsiness or stupor. These are strictly regulated due to their addictive potential and are primarily used for pain management rather than specifically for sleep.
Analgesic: A drug used specifically to relieve pain (like Aspirin or Paracetamol). They do not necessarily induce sleep.