What type of medication is known for its sleep-inducing and muscle-relaxing properties?

Sedative-hypnotic medications are specifically designed to promote sleep and alleviate anxiety, helping individuals to relax. These medications work primarily on the central nervous system to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which contributes to their calming effects. That is why they are widely used for treating insomnia and other sleep disorders, as well as for providing muscle relaxation.

Other types of medications do not serve the same primary purpose. Antidepressant medications primarily focus on treating mood disorders rather than inducing sleep or providing muscle relaxation. Stimulant medications increase alertness and energy, which is the opposite of what is needed for sleep and relaxation. Antipsychotic medications may have sedative properties but are primarily aimed at treating psychotic disorders, not specifically designed for inducing sleep or muscle relaxation. Thus, sedative-hypnotic medications are the most appropriate classification for the properties described in the question.