What type of medication is commonly used to promote rest?

Sedatives are a class of medications specifically designed to induce relaxation, calmness, and sleepiness. They work by depressing the central nervous system, which can help to promote rest and alleviate anxiety. This calming effect makes sedatives particularly useful for individuals who may have difficulty sleeping or experience heightened levels of stress and agitation.

Antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders and may not directly promote rest, although some can have sedating effects as a side effect. Stimulants, on the other hand, are designed to increase alertness, energy levels, and focus, which is the opposite of what is needed to promote rest. Analgesics are used to relieve pain, which can indirectly help someone rest better if pain is a contributing factor, but they are not specifically intended to help with sleep or relaxation.

This context highlights why sedatives are the appropriate choice for promoting rest among the options provided.