Problem: Identify a true statement about sedatives and hypnotics. Multiple choice question. Neither sedatives nor hypnotics cause fatal drug overdoses. Sedatives are used to reduce anxiety and to keep people calm and relaxed, whereas hypnotics are used to induce sleep. Sedatives increase the activity of monoamine neurotransmitters by blocking their reuptake, whereas hypnotics accomplish this by stimulating their release. Neither sedatives nor hypnotics lead to physical and psychological dependence.