diff --git a/dbtemplates/middleware.py b/dbtemplates/middleware.py
index 937eae1..1537e41 100644
--- a/dbtemplates/middleware.py
+++ b/dbtemplates/middleware.py
@@ -14,4 +14,6 @@ class RecordRequestMiddleware(MiddlewareMixin):
 
 
 def get_request():
-    return _request[0]
+    if _request:
+        return _request[0]
+    return None
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