IT's definetely a question of safety. Our bichon/poodle is 3 and we still shut his crate gate. Why take the chance of letting them roam at night..they could get into something, but then again I don't let my dogs roam free in my home when I'm not there either. I wouldn't be able to trust them, I can barely trust my own kids!!
I know what you mean about going to bed early and wanting to shut down for the night! Maybe if you want to go to bed early and put him in you could make sure to get up earlier in the a.m. to make up for it. We do this on weekends when we want to sleep in a little. We always make sure Winni (and Georgia now too) get to stay up later at night to make up for it! Hope this helps.