Nelson-Denny Practice Test

Which term would best describe a drug that helps induce sleep?

1. Stimulant

2. Soporific

3. Antidepressant

4. Analgesic

The correct answer is: Soporific

The term that best describes a drug that helps induce sleep is "soporific." Soporifics are substances specifically designed to facilitate sleep or increase drowsiness. They often work by depressing the central nervous system, which leads to a calming effect that can help individuals fall asleep more easily. This classification encompasses various types of medications, including certain prescription sleep aids and some over-the-counter remedies. In contrast, stimulants are drugs that enhance alertness and energy, often increasing heart rate and promoting wakefulness, which is the opposite of what a soporific would do. Antidepressants primarily target mood disorders and may or may not have sedative effects; they are not classified specifically for inducing sleep. Analgesics are pain-relieving medications, and while some may have sedative properties, their primary function is to alleviate pain rather than to induce sleep. Therefore, "soporific" clearly stands out as the appropriate term for drugs that promote a state of sleep or drowsiness.