Hammer Nutrition suggests taking your protein shake just before bed - they claim that having protein just before bed (without carbs) helps to stimulate your body's production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), which helps with recovery.

Most weightlifters do the same thing, because your body does most of its muscle synthesis at night while you're asleep.

On days when I've worked out hard, I have a shake just before going to bed. Typically, it contains 20-25 grams of whey protein in a glass of water, with 5-10 grams of glutamine (which seems to help with recovery and muscle soreness).