Can't comment on the browning apple, but have you tried melatonin?

Most of us for whom it is effective use 6-12 mg. (I normally take 9 mg. ) 1/2 hour or more before bedtime.

For me, at least, (according to my H/A journal) it appears to reduce the number of nighttime attacks that I get, overall, during a cycle.  It's by no means a magic bullet, but I consider it a valuable weapon in my arsenal.

Best wishes,

George

Anywhere from 6-24 mg of melatonin.

My magic number was 9mg and it gave me my nights back for a yr which left me better able to cope during the day

I'm dealing with the 3 or 4 hits per night thing at the moment. I was going along just fine with about six hours sleep per night, when the beast changed his calling hours.
I know what you mean, I increased my Melatonin before bed from 12mg to 15mg. Seems to have helped a bit, and I am going to get some Kudzu supplements and give that a go.
If I've learned anything in all the years of fighting the beast is always expect the unexpected. Each cycle has been somewhat different then the last, it's what makes fighting this crap so difficult. Freddy Kruger runs some strange hours and is very creative in his attack.

Don't give up if it doesn't work the first night -- I stopped and started three times before I gave it a fair shot and then it WORKED after a couple of weeks (and the right dose). I take 12-15mg a night and don't usually have a night hit. (I'm chronic).

Hopefully this will give you some rest at night to get you thru the days.

Hugs BD