Sedatives are a type of medication used to reduce anxiety, tension, and agitation. They are often used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Opioids and opiates are two types of sedatives that are commonly prescribed. Opioids are synthetic drugs derived from the opium poppy plant, while opiates are naturally occurring substances found in the opium poppy plant. Both opioids and opiates can be used to treat pain, but they can also be used as sedatives.