Similar to the cleansing system

That purifies the rest of the body

Called the lymphatic system

The brain circulates glial cells

In a similar manner.

Discarding, eliminating deficient cells

Washing away the refuse

Of the processes of life.

If deep sleep is deprived,

This cleansing is diminished

Resulting in a long list of maladies-

Potential and realized

Starting in the 60's or 70's of life

To realize this process

And its importance,

Is too late to change the arc.

Symptoms are mild to severe

All part of Alzheimer's/dementia type syndromes

Afflicting millions in America,

And causing suffering for all involved.

This is our human condition-

It is well understood.

By even the so-called "uneducated"

That a deep sound sleep is "good"

And plenty of high quality protein

And fresh vegetables are beneficial

And that good "social" habits

Are essential to a long, happy life.

While we sleep on a sofa

In the basement of a friend's house

Confined in our dreams

To each other's naked bones

And still in love despite poverty and lack of sleep