Last week, I experienced my first float therapy session. For those who don’t know, float therapy, or sensory deprivation, is where you lie in your own private pod or chamber filled with about 10 to 11 inches of skin-temperature water packed with over 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt so you can effortlessly float. It’s advertised as the perfect place to reset and unplug when your senses are overwhelmed or overstimulated.

My sister gifted me with a massage and float therapy experience at the Stardust Float Spa in San Diego. I had an idea of what to expect from online reviews and photos, but I wasn’t prepared for all the New Age decor and spa vibes there. It was in a nondescript building in a strip mall, and when I entered it was empty. All of the wellness rooms and chambers are hidden away in a dimly lit hallway. The aim of the whole place seems to be minimizing sensory stimulation and offering a tranquil spa experience. The two employees I met even spoke with soft voices, tones that I’d expect listening to a meditation app.

After a glorious deep tissue massage, the float therapy was next. My masseuse explained the details and instructions to me and answered questions I had (“The water will hold you even if you fall asleep”; “Yes, you go in nude”; “The chamber sanitizes itself after each use”) before she left me alone inside the room.

After putting earplugs in to keep the salt water out, showering, getting into the chamber, and closing the door, I was left in the dark with complete silence. There was an option to play soothing music, but I wanted to get the full sensory deprivation experience.

At first, I splashed around just because I could and pushed myself off of the walls to float around. Then I tried to get comfortable and alleviate my neck pain. Eventually, there was nothing else to do but float there for the next 50 minutes.

I imagine for some people who crave sensory stimulation or don’t have a strong inner world, this would be a nightmare. But instead of wondering what to think about, I decided to embrace the experience and let my mind wander.

When I’m alone in my head, I often think about people or replay memories and how I felt in them. My imagination is usually comforting and my safe place when the world is too much. But overthinking tends to happen when I fixate on a negative thought or wondering, so I tried to not dwell on anything and just let my thoughts pass through.

I didn’t feel anything in particular as I let my mind drift, but after about 5 minutes or so of just being, the automated voice of the chamber startled me awake.

It’s been a long time since I’ve had a dreamless sleep, and even longer since I’ve “blacked out” like that. I was surprised by how quickly I zoned out and fell asleep without even realizing it. I know I was in the pod for 60 minutes, but it felt like maybe 5-10 minutes. I didn’t feel particularly rested after, but more in awe of how quickly time passed.

It was a cool experience overall and I’m glad I did it, but it didn’t feel so relaxing or magically life-changing that I need to go again. I’d love to get another massage there or even try their red light sauna therapy (though maybe another scientifically-backed gimmick?), but float therapy wasn’t it for me. My mind does enough drifting while I’m trying to fall asleep in my comfy bed.