Why Miraa makes some people work longer hours

Many people say miraa helps them stay active, feel less tired and push through long working hours.

That belief did not come from nowhere. Miraa, also known scientifically as khat, contains stimulant chemicals that act on the brain and nervous system.

In the short term, those effects can make a person feel more alert, energetic and ready to continue working. In the long term, however, the same habit can carry health and lifestyle risks.

“Leading to increased alertness, concentration, energy, and euphoria,” the Kenya Medical Association said while explaining how muguka and khat affect the central nervous system.

The main active compounds in miraa are cathinone and cathine.

“Khat contains two alkaloids: cathinone and cathine,” a recent Kenyatta University study said, noting that the compounds are responsible for central nervous system stimulation.

The study added that chewing khat leaves is the most effective way of extracting cathinone, the chemical that produces an amphetamine-like stimulatory effect.

Why do people feel less tired?

When the brain receives stimulant signals, fatigue can feel temporarily pushed aside.

A person may feel mentally sharper, more talkative or more motivated for several hours.

That is why some workers use miraa, hoping to stay productive during demanding shifts, travel, business or late-night tasks.

“Feelings of increased alertness and arousal,” the European Union Drugs Agency said while describing common short-term effects of khat use.

It added that those effects are similar to amphetamine, although cathinone and cathine have lower potency.

“Increased energy and alertness, insomnia, enhanced mood, dehydration and reproductive health effects,” NACADA reported in findings on khat chewing in Kenya.

But this does not mean the body no longer needs rest. It usually means the brain’s normal tiredness signals are being masked for a while.

Once the stimulant effect fades, exhaustion can return strongly.

The hidden cost over time

The energy boost is not free. Studies and public health agencies have linked frequent or heavy khat use with sleep problems, irritability, appetite loss and poor concentration after sessions.

“Depression, irritability, anorexia and difficulty in sleeping,” the European Union Drugs Agency warned while outlining effects that may follow khat use.

It also reported that frequent high-dose use may trigger psychotic reactions.

“Prolonged periods of use,” the Kenya Medical Association said while warning that social dependence can lead to addiction and neglect of responsibilities.

It also cited risks such as mental health disturbances, hypertension and other long-term effects.

“Actually Khat and Miraa,” Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said while describing muguka as a variety of miraa whose active ingredient is cathinone.

The honest truth

Miraa can make some people feel able to work longer hours because it stimulates the brain and delays feelings of tiredness for a time.

That short-term effect is real. But it is not the same as healthy energy, true productivity, or long-term wellbeing.

Real stamina usually comes from sleep, nutrition, hydration, movement and stress control.

If someone constantly needs stimulants just to function, the deeper issue may be fatigue, burnout or poor health habits that need attention.