<p>Hypnotic drugs, sleeping pills, or anti-insomnia agents are drugs that promote sleep. In the narrow sense, these are primarily benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine analogs (Z-drugs). Other drugs used to promote sleep include sedative antidepressants and antipsychotics, melatonin receptor agonists, and, more recently introduced, the dual orexin receptor antagonist daridorexant. Despite their widespread use, particularly benzodiazepine and nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics are associated with a&#xa0;high risk of dependence and tolerance development. Tricyclic substances such as antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs often exhibit a broad spectrum of adverse drug reactions, especially when taken over a longer period of time. This article discusses the pharmacological mechanisms, therapeutic applications, risks, and drug interactions of the various hypnotics with regard to metabolization by the cytochrome-P450-system.</p>