Sonata is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia). It is sold under the brand name of Zaleplon is one of 3 popular sleep drugs used to treat mild to moderate Insomnia. Sleeping pills, commonly referred to as Z-drugs, have replaced Benzodiazepines as the most popular “go-to” sleep aids.