Final answer:
The statement is false; Sodium pentathol is not used to treat insomnia. Barbiturates have sedative effects but have largely been replaced by safer alternatives for treating anxiety and sleep disorders due to their high potential for addiction and overdose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Sodium pentathol is a long-acting barbiturate used to treat insomnia' is false. Sodium pentathol, more commonly known as thiopental, is a short-acting barbiturate used in anesthesia and is not prescribed for insomnia. Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and pentobarbital are central nervous system depressants that can have sedative and hypnotic effects, and some of these have been used to treat conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
Originally, barbiturates were intended to replace other sleep-inducing drugs, but due to their high potential for addiction and overdose, they have largely been replaced by benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepines in medical practice, particularly for treating anxiety and insomnia. Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate that may be used for its anticonvulsant properties, while pentobarbital has also been used for its hypnotic and sedative effects. However, the use of barbiturates has declined in favor of drugs with a better safety profile.