SIs it actually good to have protein in your stomach throughout the night or is it better for you to have an empty stomach during the night?
You don't want to be having anything before bed, be it a protein drink or food. Anything you consume will cause an insulin reaction which will blunt your natural GH release - and during sleep, when your biggest GH release occurs, is not when you want this to happen.
Don't fall into the "if I don't eat before bed I'll lose too much muscle because it's 8-10 hours before I eat anything else." paranoia trap. Get your calories during the day when your body is geared up to digest them and you'll be fine.
Having food 90 minutes before bed is the minimum I go on, 2 hours or more is preferable.