The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for treating sleep disorders related to partial or complete obstruction of air passageways by the tongue during sleep, such as snoring and sleep apnea. A mouthpiece is inserted in a user's mouth, so that a radial portion of the mouthpiece is held between the user's teeth and lips. An extension portion of the mouthpiece extends from the radial portion forward, through the user's lips, ending in a tip in which is formed a suction hole. A vacuum bladder snugly fits on the tip of the extension portion of the mouthpiece, so that pinching the vacuum bladder expels air from the bladder through the suction hole and into the extension portion of the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is positioned in a person's mouth, releasing the compressed bladder creates a vacuum suitable for comfortably holding the person's tongue within a tongue cavity inside the extension portion of the mouthpiece.