Research has indicated that CHO/whey mixtures post workout are optimal for recovery- but that also has to do with timing of intake. Simply adding a shake to your overall intake is only adding additional calories, especially if you don’t “need” them.
pros or cons to having a protein shake about an hour before going to bed,
There was some recommendations by a sports-nutrition guru in the late 80’s/early 90’s to take a dose of protein before bed to increase GH naturally (the entire concept was crazy). Regardless, calories that late is more likely to be deposited as fat if in excess.
I try not to eat anything at least 3 hours before bed - does this apply to protein supplementation as well
Without a doubt-- the same logic behind not eating anything a couple hours before bed applies. Protein is still a calorie. A calorie is a calorie, and anything to excess is going to be deposited as adipose.