To Sleep...Perchance to Dream

Do you ever listen to music to help you sleep?

By the time I actually get to put my head against the cool side of a pillow, I'm pretty much out. It's a very rare occasion that I have sleeping troubles and for that I am thankful. Still, I sometimes find it is soothing to lull myself to sleep with some music. On days that I am upset, there are particular songs that I enjoy. If I'm feeling really morose the Heroin Diaries soundtrack usually does the trick. Otherwise, I like to mix it up.

My choices for a perfect slumber:

The Last Mile - Cinderella
Love Song - Tesla
Amanda - Boston
Trampled Rose - Alison Krauss and Robert Plant
Restless - Alison Krauss and Union Station
Forever and Always - Bullet for My Valentine
I Won't See You Tonight (Part 1 and 2) - Avenged Sevenfold

Then... if I still can't sleep...I move straight to Tori Amos.

When I was younger I slept with music a lot. Sometimes the music would meld right into REM sleep and eventually dreams. I suppose listening to Aerosmith while sleeping when I was a kid made for some rocking dreams that I can't remember. I only know that I seemed more calm after listening to favorite songs while sleeping. I'm sure some doctor has researched the effects of music on the sleeping brain.  I'd be interested in reading such research.

Do you sleep with music? If so, are you like me and try to select songs that will make your heartbeat a little slower?