Hypnotics are medications that cause sleep or partial loss of consciousness.
Hypnotics should only be taken under a doctor's direction. They should never be mixed with alcohol or with each other. Taking hypnotics together or with alcohol can lead to excessive drowsiness (sedation) and even death.
Mahowald MW. Disorders of sleep. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 429.