In the present study, ingestion of the protein supplement before sleep was not compared with other time points of ingestion. (academic.oup.com)
As such, we can only speculate on the surplus benefit (s) of the protein supplement being provided before sleep as opposed to other time points throughout the day. (academic.oup.com)
As for the HARs that weren't active in brain cells during the study, the scientists think they could influence gene expression at other time points during development, such as when the neuron is fully matured rather than while it's developing. (gladstone.org)