cry it out method

So I love cosleeping with my lo but he's just getting so big and I can't sleep anymore. When he sleeps with me he just kicks me in the face or pushes me off the bed. I need sleep!!! So out of desperation and exhaustion tonight I put him in his crib and let him cry. I set the timer for 15 minutes and at 12 min he layed down and went to sleep!!! 😬 I thought I was going to cry I was so happy. I hated listening to him cry and I was against this method but I was so desperate for sleep. Does anyone else do this? How does it work for y'all?