Everybody feel sorry for Lindsay Lohan.

The actress is telling friends that her stint in jail this morning - all 4.5 hours of a 30-day sentence - was "beyond scary" and one of the worst experiences ever.

She was never placed with the general population, of course, biding her time alone in a private cell at Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, Calif.

Sources say Lindsay described the jail as "cold" (possibly in more ways than one) saying it's one of "the worst places she's ever been in her entire life."

Lindsay didn't eat anything during her stay at Lynwood - it's not like she had time for a meal - and was outta there before having to even stay a night.

Imagine if she really had to call that place home for awhile, it might improve her world view ... you know, what the corrections system is designed for.

Maybe we're being unfair. Lindsay is telling friends the experience was another wake up call, that she's mistakes and will put her problems behind her.

We'll believe it when we see it, but that's wonderful to hear LiLo.