hi D., i love that you are so sensitive to your little boy's needs. like you i think that CIO has a place, but i also don't think it can be universally applied and in this case i wouldn't stick with it either. it sounds as if he is genuinely upset and truly needs your reassuring loving presence. however, unless you are committed to a family bed i don't think you should go to bringing him into your room, miserable as the prospect of sleeplessness is. he's going through something and it won't last long. i would absolutely go to him, rub his back, hum to him, be with him, reassure him, but don't get him up or even talk much to him, just low-key humming or singing, all done with a 'sleepy' vibe.
good luck!
khairete
S.