Missy is the first dog that I've had who's used a crate. I think they're awesome. She doesn't sleep in one at night, but she is so comfortable in her crate that I know she would sleep in it with no problems (Mommy's just a suck and makes her sleep in bed with her). I was especially grateful to have her accustomed to the crate when she had to go through 3 surgeries and several vet trips in the last 10 weeks. She was way more at ease before and after surgery hangin' out in her crate. At home, I just leave the door open and she wanders in and out of her crate throughout the day. If I shut the door, she doesn't care! It's her quiet place where she can get away from everyone. She loves it.
Anyways, I think you should try a crate!