Which type of drug is commonly used to relieve pain and produce sleep?

Narcotics are a class of drugs that are specifically designed to relieve pain and can also induce sleep. They work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which alters the perception of pain and can lead to feelings of euphoria and sedation. This dual effect makes narcotics particularly effective for managing acute and chronic pain conditions, while also having the potential to cause drowsiness and promote sleep.

Narcotics are distinct from analgesics, which generally refer to any drug that alleviates pain but does not necessarily have sedative properties. Antidepressants are primarily used for mood disorders and may have some role in chronic pain management, but they are not primarily designed for pain relief or inducing sleep. Antipyretics are medications used to reduce fever and do not directly address pain relief or sleep induction. Therefore, narcotics are the most suitable choice when discussing drugs that relieve pain and promote sleep.