A recent study looked at the role of protein in modulating post-exercise overnight recovery. The researchers assessed the impact of protein ingestion immediately prior to sleep on digestion, absorption kinetics, and protein metabolism.
16 healthy young males were asked to perform resistance exercises in the evening. Thirty minutes before they went to bed, half of them drank a high-protein beverage.
According to the research:
“This is the first study to show that protein ingested immediately prior to sleep is effectively digested and absorbed, thereby stimulating muscle protein synthesis and improving whole-body protein balance during post-exercise, overnight recovery.”