How do opiates induce sleep?

Opiates induce sleep primarily by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, which modulates pain perception and promotes relaxation. This action leads to the release of neurotransmitters that can enhance feelings of calmness and drowsiness. Additionally, opiates can suppress the activity of certain brain regions involved in wakefulness, further facilitating the onset of sleep. However, while they may initially induce sleep, opiates can disrupt normal sleep architecture and lead to poor sleep quality over time.