Neil, thanks for your comments. You will think this is crazy, but after trying meds and tests and doctors, I read a book called Energy Medicine by Donna Eden and David Feinstein. It's about working with the energy in your body, mainly through tapping acupressure points. When I do these things at night when I'm awakened and feel terrible, the energy calms and I can sleep. It's the only thing that works for me and has even stopped panic attacks that I had for decades. Not sure how this would work with your cfs, but the nice thing is it's natural and won't hurt to try. Best of luck, Betsy

Hi Neil, I found an anxiety centre in London, Ontario that specializes in treating these horrible cortisol surges. It is anxietycentre.com. They call what we have hyperstimulation. If you join you get many benefits including a weekly Skype with the Director. They know how to cure this. Wishing you all the best.

You can try extended release melatonin. Or try something stronger like Passion Flower. It acts like s benzo on me. I take a half dose but not every night. It does leave me a bit groggy the next morning and works a bit like a muscle relaxer. I don’t like that feeling but it does help me sleep.